In the vacuum left by Harold Holt’s disappearance, Canberra didn’t freeze—it accelerated. Episode 3 exposes the 48-hour power shift that reshaped Australia before the public even knew what was happening. As Defence scrambled search teams and the nation waited for answers, senior ministers moved quickly to secure control, contain political fallout, and stabilise a government with no Prime Minister.

Inside the cabinet room, old rivalries sharpened. John McEwen positioned himself as the crucial hinge between parties. Billy McMahon manoeuvred for succession. Intelligence briefings, diplomatic alerts, and internal communications paint a picture of a leadership crisis unfolding behind closed doors.

This is the story of what happens when a modern democracy loses its leader without warning—the scramble for authority, the vacuum of legitimacy, and the quiet moves that determined who would rule next.

No myths. No speculation. Just the documented power plays Australia never saw.

Credits

Voiceover, production & editorial direction by Stephen Johns.

Historical research & script development by Steve Hart & Alex G.

Archival materials sourced from:

– National Archives of Australia

– Parliamentary Library

– Trove

– Australian War Memorial

– ASIO & diplomatic releases

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators)

Flow State — Simon Folwar

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Electromagnetic Interference — Adi Goldstein

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Avalanche — Allalo

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Slinky Crunch — Sky Cassette

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Do What You're Supposed To — West Valley Shakers

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