Key Takeaways
- The Sydney Morning Herald and its sister publication The Age won several awards at the 70th Walkley Awards, including the news report category and specialist beat reporting category.
- Investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, crime reporter Clare Sibthorpe, and Good Food’s Bianca Hrovat won the Walkley for their reporting on the hospitality industry, which led to resignations and regulatory reforms.
- The Herald’s health editor Kate Aubusson, reporter Emily Kaine, and Age investigative reporter Aisha Dow won the specialist beat reporting category for their investigation into the mistreatment of women in the medical system.
- The awards recognize the outstanding work of journalists at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, solidifying their position as the country’s most trusted newspapers.
Introduction to the Walkley Awards
The 70th Walkley Awards, held on Thursday night, recognized the exceptional work of journalists across Australia. The Sydney Morning Herald and its sister publication The Age took home several awards, solidifying their position as the country’s most trusted newspapers. The awards honored the outstanding reporting and investigative work of journalists, including Eryk Bagshaw, Clare Sibthorpe, Bianca Hrovat, Kate Aubusson, Emily Kaine, and Aisha Dow. Their reporting exposed the darker side of Sydney’s hospitality scene and the hidden misogyny in Australia’s medical system, leading to significant changes and reforms.
Exposing the Hospitality Industry
The Herald’s investigative series on the hospitality industry, led by Eryk Bagshaw, Clare Sibthorpe, and Bianca Hrovat, took out the News Report category. Their reporting revealed the seedy side of the industry, including the mistreatment of staff and the exploitation of power. The investigation led to the resignations of high-profile hospitality figures and regulatory reforms, demonstrating the significant impact of their work. The series is a testament to the power of investigative journalism in holding those in power accountable and driving change.
Uncovering Medical Misogyny
The Herald’s health editor Kate Aubusson, reporter Emily Kaine, and Age investigative reporter Aisha Dow won the Specialist and Beat Reporting category for their investigation into the mistreatment of women in the medical system. Their reporting uncovered disturbing cases where women were disbelieved, misdiagnosed, or wrongly admitted to hospital. The investigation highlighted the hidden misogyny in Australia’s medical system, sparking a necessary conversation about the need for change. The award recognizes the importance of this type of reporting in shedding light on critical issues and promoting accountability.
Other Notable Awards
In addition to the awards mentioned above, Melissa Fyfe won the feature writing short category for her Good Weekend story exposing the ongoing menace of forced marriage in Australia. Badiucao, Matthew Absalom-Wong, Patrick O’Neil, and Tom McKendrick were also honored for their work on "Watch, followed, threatened. Now an impostor is claiming to be me". The Age claimed the best coverage of a major news event or issue for its coverage of the mushroom murders orchestrated by Erin Patterson. These awards demonstrate the breadth and depth of the reporting at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, covering a range of critical issues and topics.
Recognition and Appreciation
Executive editor of Nine’s metro mastheads, Luke McIlveen, expressed his pride and appreciation for the journalists who make The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age the country’s most trusted newspapers. McIlveen highlighted the importance of the awards in recognizing the outstanding work of journalists, stating that they are "wonderful recognition for the journalists who make The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age the country’s most trusted newspapers". The awards are a testament to the dedication and commitment of journalists to producing high-quality reporting and investigative work, and the impact it has on driving change and promoting accountability.