Antonio Saliba's mystery death to be investigated by coroner

Australia Broadcast Center

07-05-2025

The death of a Mackay billiard hall owner in the 1980s that was raised in the Fitzgerald Inquiry will be investigated by the state coroner.
Antonio Saliba, 45, was found dead in 1983 on his hobby farm at Camerons Pocket, near Calen in north Queensland in what police initially said was a horse-riding accident.
Mr Saliba's family maintained he was murdered and new information from his nephew Danny Meares has led to a coronial investigation into the death.
"I believe the information they have provided to me raises sufficient questions and concerns about the death of Mr Saliba," Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said.
"My thoughts are with Antonio's family, who have shared with me the grief and unanswered questions they have faced over the past 40 years."
Fitzgerald Inquiry hears about death
Mr Saliba, known as "Burra", operated a billiard saloon in Wood Street, Mackay, where Mr Meares said illegal card games were played.
Danny Meares.
(
Supplied: Danny Meares
)
In a 1990 media report, Mr Saliba's brother Gerald was reported as giving evidence to the Fitzgerald Inquiry against corrupt police and said his brother "used to pay them to protect his prostitution and gambling interests in Mackay".
Gerald Saliba was quoted as saying he had been told his brother had been held at gunpoint and hit with a hammer.
Family detective work
Mr Meares has been looking into his uncle's death for the past six months.
He said that, on that fateful day, his uncle had been doing fencing work and when he failed to return, the farm caretakers raised the alarm.
"All the guys from the billiard saloon went out looking and found his body, which was in a mess," he said.
Mr Meares said the family never believed it was a horse-riding accident.
"We always knew that it wasn't, and a lot of people in Mackay know the story. I think he was set up."
Mr Meares said he has passed on information he has uncovered over the past six months to the Attorney-General and welcomed the coronial investigation.
"Six months ago, I decided I was going to try to see if we could get somewhere," he said.
"
It's taken a few months, but it was great news to hear from the Attorney-General.
"
Antonio Saliba, left, with family.
(
Supplied: Danny Meares
)
Mr Meares said the family hoped for justice and answers, particularly for his uncle's two remaining brothers.
"They're in their 80s now and in declining health, so we're hoping to get some closure for them before it's too late."