We Finally Know The Motive Behind Australia’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

We Finally Know The Motive Behind Australia’s Deadliest Mass Shooting

Author: Mamamia Podcasts June 16, 2025 Duration: 25:04

Nearly 30 years have passed since the Port Arthur massacre — one of the darkest and most devastating events in Australia's history.

On April 28, 1996, a lone gunman, Martin Bryant, carried out the country’s deadliest mass shooting, killing 35 people and injuring 23 others in and around the historic Port Arthur site in Tasmania.

For decades, the question of why he did it has haunted survivors, investigators, and the nation. Now, new insights are finally beginning to shed light on what may have driven Bryant to commit such an unfathomable act.

This is the story of that day — the lives lost, the trauma endured, and the search for answers — as told through the eyes of survivor Anita Bingham.

CREDITS

Guest: Anita Bingham

Host: Jessie Stephens & Claire Murphy

Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri

Producer: Gia Moylan

CONTACT US

Tell us what you think of the show via email at truecrime@mamamia.com.au  

If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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Gemma Bath hosts True Crime Conversations, a podcast from Mamamia Podcasts that delves into infamous criminal cases from Australia and around the world. Rather than just recounting facts, each episode is built around a direct conversation with someone who has a unique, often personal connection to the story. You might hear from a detective who worked the case, a journalist who covered the trial, a family member seeking answers, or a forensic expert who examined the evidence. This approach brings a tangible, human dimension to stories that can sometimes feel distant or sensationalised. The tone is engaging and thoughtful, focusing on the nuances and the people affected, rather than just the shock value. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deeper, more conversational entry into the true crime genre, where the emphasis is on understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ from those who were actually there. Listening to this podcast feels like being part of a serious, yet accessible, discussion about some of the most compelling and complex crimes in recent history.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

True Crime Conversations
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