The woman whose case was central to the controversy that led to the resignation of Governor-General Peter Hollingworth, speaks out publicly, for the first time, on Australian Story on Feb 28 and March 7. Beth Heinrich, a 65-year-old nurse is the former schoolgirl who was involved in a 40-year relationship with clergyman Donald Shearman. He rose to become Australia's most senior Anglican bishop. As Governor-General, three years ago, Dr Hollingworth was savagely criticised for appearing to defend Donald Shearman's behaviour. Donald Shearman had been a universally admired figure in the church. But he was defrocked last year by a tribunal of the Anglican Church. Now, on Australian Story, Ms Heinrich and other key figures provide a detailed account, spanning five decades, of the build up to one of the more extraordinary episodes in recent Australian political history. Also speaking, for the first time, and in the strongest possible terms, is Bishop Richard Hurford who was Donald Shearman's Dean during Shearman's time as Bishop of Grafton. And Wendy McCarthy, Chancellor of Canberra University, who was Beth Heinrich's dormitory mate at school, adds fresh recollections and insights.
—Australian Story