60 Minutes: July 12

Sunday’s 60 Minutes sees Liam Bartlett look at further erosion of democracy in Hong Kong.

Super Splurge
As important as everyone knows superannuation is, the mere mention of the word, particularly among younger generations, used to be a sure-fire guarantee of glazed eyes and stifled yawns. But workers around the country woke up when the financial hit of coronavirus led the government to announce retirement savings of tomorrow could be used to pay the bills of today. More than two million Australians have so far found salvation in their super by cashing in as much as $20,000 each. Of course, the money is desperately needed by many, but for others it seems to be an excuse to splurge. And as desirable as designer handbags, new cars and new boobs might be right now, are they really worth more than a comfortable old age?
Reporter: Sarah Abo
Producers: Garry McNab, Alex Bernhardt

R.I.P. Hong Kong
Rest in peace Hong Kong. It might seem over the top to say it, but according to thousands of worried residents, the once thriving hub of Asia is now all but dead. They blame the heavy-handed tactics of the Chinese Communist Party for their city’s demise. The Beijing regime has imposed a strict national security law which not only strips Hong Kong of its autonomy but also severely restricts democratic freedoms. Anyone breaking the law faces life imprisonment. The draconian takeover has been condemned around the world with countries including Australia warning its citizens to stay away from the troubled region. However, as Liam Bartlett reports, that’s only strengthening the resolve of the increasingly belligerent Chinese leadership.
Reporter: Liam Bartlett
Producers: Garry McNab, Tracey Hannaford

Wrongs and Rights
For victims of sexual assault, recovery is often long and torturous. But some women face even more trauma when they find out they are pregnant to their attacker. Every year in the United States about 10,000 babies are born as a result of rape. In these situations, the natural assumption is that all compassion, as well as all legal rights, rest with the victim and her child. But as Liam Bartlett discovers, that’s not the case in several states where outdated laws mean an increasing number of American rapists are legally applying for, and being granted, custody rights over these children. Thankfully though, there are courageous women fighting to change these crazy laws.
(NOTE: This story was filmed prior to the Coronavirus pandemic.)
Reporter: Liam Bartlett
Producer: Grace Tobin

9pm Sunday on Nine.