Researching & writing about crime & corruption

Matthew Condon | Author and Journalist

• Friday 15 May
• Room 601, Michie Building (#9)
• 3pm - 4pm

Matt Condon is a journalist working for The Courier-Mail, and the writer of many works of fiction and non-fiction. In early 2010 he was asked to meet former Queensland Police Commissioner, Terry Lewis, then 81, who wanted “his book” written—namely his autobiography. Matt met with Lewis and reformulated exactly what it is they might be able to do together. The result is the Lewis trilogy—The Crooked Kings, Jacks and Jokers, and the final volume, All Fall Down, which is due out later this year.

In a conversation with senior lecturer Dr Veny Armanno, Matt will discuss the writing of the trilogy as well as the impact the books have had, both publicly and behind the scenes. In the lead up to the final book, Matt has found himself the subject of an organised campaign to trash his reputation and work, however, in the context of the books and their revelations, cold cases have been reopened and people arrested. Sources Matt has used for the trilogy have received death threats, yet many hundreds of people have come forward to assist and support the writing of this epic history of crime and corruption in Queensland.

Matt is now a University of Queensland PhD candidate, with his research focussing on a companion volume to the trilogy based around his personal journal of the trilogy’s development, and the many more voices who have come forward to tell their stories.