Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd has been accused of humbug over the Balibo murders, by former spy Michael Darby.

"Mr Rudd as a diplomat with a high security clearance must have been aware of the facts which have been common knowledge on the Asia-Pacific diplomatic circuit for thirty years.　 Five innocent newsmen were brutally murdered by Indonesian troops and the details of the massacre were known immediately by the Australian authorities.　 The Whitlam government deliberately covered up the crime."

"As a putative successor to Whitlam, Mr Rudd is now calling for the murderers to be brought to account.　 Any such call is humbug unless accompanied by a demand that Whitlam and his henchmen come clean while they are still alert enough to apologise.'

Michael Darby, who is Christian Democratic Party candidate for Dobell, was honorary logistics officer for Australian Society for Intercountry Aid - Timor (ASIAT), providing medical and civil aid in East Timor when the Balibo Five were murdered in October 1975.　　 "For three decades I have made speeches and broadcasts to the effect that the Australian Government knew all about the murders through wireless intercept within hours of the atrocity.　 I have debated the issue with apologists for the Indonesia lobby and given evidence to the Sherman inquiry."

"Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims who may now hope for some kind of closure, thanks to a fine job by the NSW coroner."