Antonio Saliba death: Nephew’s plea for truth in 1983 Mackay murder probe

A gruesome death which saw a man’s head ‘smashed to pieces’ has haunted this Queensland family for 40 years – now they're racing against time for answers.

A Saliba family photo featuring Antonio 'Burra' Saliba and a young Danny Meares. Antonio was found dead in June 1983. Photo: Supplied by family

The nephew of Antonio Saliba, who suffered a gruesome death after he allegedly paid off corrupt cops has made an emotional plea for the “truth” to be revealed while some family members were still alive to hear it.

Danny Meares has been keeping a close eye on the 1983 death investigation since Attorney-General Deb Frecklington ordered a new coronial probe on that back of his relentless push for answers.

Antonio, a 45-year-old Mackay dad better known as ‘Burra’, ran an illegal gaming and prostitution hall and it was revealed during the Fitzgerald Inquiry he allegedly paid off corrupt police to turn a blind eye for about 20 years.

He was found dead at his hobby farm at Cameron’s Pocket, near Calen, in June 1983 with horrific injuries including his head being “smashed to pieces” and massive crush injuries to his chest.

It was ruled non-suspicious at the time, written up as a horseriding incident, but Townsville-based restaurateur Mr Meares and the rest of his family have always believed it was murder.

Antonio Saliba

Mr Meares said he had been in touch with the Attorney-General’s office and had been told the new investigation was ongoing.

This publication previously reported the new investigation included returning to the site where Burra’s body was found.

“We can’t bring uncle Burra back, but to hear the investigation is ongoing gives us hope,” Mr Meares said.

“It’s all about accountability.”

A 1990s newspaper article about the death reported that the Fitzgerald Inquiry had heard that for about 20 years Burra “had been paying protection money so that police would turn a blind eye to his gambling and prostitution involvement”.

Danny Meares has been pushing for answers into his uncle Antonio 'Burra' Saliba's death at Cameron's Pocket in June 1983. Photo: Supplied by Danny Meares

It also stated two witnesses had claimed two assailants may have beaten him to death with a hammer.

Mr Meares believed his uncle may have been struck by a car and the scene later framed to look like a horse riding incident. He had been living in Sydney working in the restaurant industry when Burra died.

Mr Meares said he was in constant contact with family who still lived in Mackay and remained haunted by Burra’s death.

“They remain hopeful that we will … get some closure before it’s too late, they’re both in declining health,” he said.

Mr Saliba’s final resting place is at Mount Bassett cemetery, and Mr Meares said it was still hard to talk about.

“It’s been difficult waiting, I understand these matters take time,” he said.

“What does matter is uncle Burra’s life and the circumstances of his death and that they’re being taken seriously.”

Mr Meares has urged anyone with information about his uncle’s death to come forward and stated that all information was being treated in complete confidentiality.

Originally published as Antonio Saliba death: Nephew’s plea for truth in 1983 Mackay murder probe