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At about half-past five in the afternoon on August 31, 2020, I received the call that changed everything. I was in my office, furiously tapping out a big story, when my phone rang.
It was one of the managers from International News back in Sydney. His tone serious, he told me that DFAT â the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade â had just called the ABC. And two other media outlets.
âFâ¦, fâ¦, fâ¦! Iâm just about to file this and they must be ringing up all the media to leak it,â I exclaimed down the phone. It was a major scoop exposing just how dire the situation had become in China. The manager was confused. He wasnât ringing about that, or any other story. âIâm calling to tell you that the Australian government wants to get you out of China,â he said. We were talking about the same topic and didnât even realise it.
How ABC journalist Bill Birtles fled China
brisbanetimes.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from brisbanetimes.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
How ABC journalist Bill Birtles fled China
watoday.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from watoday.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.