HEART OF STONE - Justice for Azaria - Michael Chamberlain

“This book is about getting justice for a family, full circle. It is about the impossible mission driven this time by me, against all odds; to open the fourth inquest and the truth, backed by the law, declaring that a dingo killed Azaria.”  Michael Chamberlain

Two weeks ago, Michael Chamberlain sat in the Darwin Coroner’s Court for the news he had waited 32 years to hear – that a dingo was responsible for the death of his daughter Azaria and a new death certificate was prepared to state that fact.

For thirty years, the story of Lindy and Michael Chamberlain and the death of their baby daughter Azaria has been the subject of controversy, sparking intense interest both here and overseas. It was a seminal moment; most people remember when they heard the first reports of a dingo taking a baby at Ayers Rock.  It was an international story that played out through several court cases and inquests and even captured the attention of Hollywood.  Meryl Streep and Sam Neil starred as Lindy and Michael in the film Evil Angels (1988), and thirty years on is still referred to in popular culture, referenced in shows like Seinfeld and The Simpsons.

HEART OF STONE is the missing link in the story of Azaria. For the first time, after 32 years of relative silence, Michael Chamberlain tells his story.  He takes the reader back to the place where it all began – Ayers Rock (before it was re-named Uluru). In a detailed, methodical and emotional account he writes of the tragic moment when Lindy heard the ‘cry in the dark’ and the discovery of Azaria’s empty bed.  Michael describes that long night, with Aboriginal trackers springing to their aid, and the head ranger who had agonised for three months previously about the troublesome dingoes in the camping areas.

He describes in detail the heartache of the first inquest (Dec 1980 - Feb 1981) at Alice Springs – the first to be broadcast live - which declared that the dingo had taken the baby.  Then the incredible turnaround, when he and his wife were charged with suspected murder.

Michael relives the painful and horrendous lead up to the arrest and persecution of his wife Lindy and her wrongful imprisonment for the murder of her own child in the ‘trial of the century’. He takes the reader through the ordeal of the following inquests and the tragic breakup of their marriage.  

When an English tourist fell off the Rock in 1986 the subsequent police search led to the discovery of the ‘matinee jacket’ in an area surrounded by dingo lairs. This led to Lindy’s release ‘on compassionate grounds’ and yet another inquiry.

Despite both parents being declared resoundingly innocent by a Northern Territory Criminal Court of Appeal, Michael Chamberlain was not satisfied. His ‘holy grail’ was to force the NT Government to come clean and declare publicly how his daughter was killed. This was achieved following the fourth coronial inquest and on June 12 he received the result he was hoping for.

In writing HEART OF STONE Michael Chamberlain hopes to finally end this saga which highlights an incident in Australian history that has proven to be a gross miscarriage of justice.

About the author

Michael Chamberlain’s life changed forever when Azaria died. He left his ministry, undertaking a PhD, becoming a teacher, and writing history books, honing his skills as an archivist and researcher. This has enabled him to understand and analyse the legal and political processes in the Azaria case.

Michael Chamberlain holds a PhD in Education from the University of Newcastle. He has published three previous history books. Formerly a minister of religion, he has now retired as an English and History high school teacher. With his second wife, Ingrid, Michael has one daughter, Zahra, aged 15 years. With his first wife Lindy he had four children, Aidan, Reagan, Azaria (deceased) and Kahlia.

Michael’s interests include law reform, the media, and Australian history. Among his hobbies are dry fly trout fishing, camping, cooking and listening to classical music. 


Published by New Holland Publishers, RRP $45.00 


Story from New Zealand Herald Saturday 7 July, 2012