The complete list of finalists, winners and judges’ comments in the 2006 Queensland Media Awards.
Most Outstanding Journalism Student (All Media) – Sponsored by Queensland Parliamentary Media Gallery
Regional campus finalists:
- Renae Henry, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Hannah Klose, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Kathryn Young, Griffith University
Special mention: Kathryn Young, Griffith University, for research above and beyond the call of duty, operating undercover as a phone sex worker for a feature on the women involved.
Regional campus winner: Hannah Klose
Judges’ comments:
Hannah worked hard for Channel Seven on the Sunshine Coast this year,
producing an impressive array of television news stories, and
demonstrating an understanding of what makes good and relevant regional
news.
Metropolitan campus finalists:
- Bettina Hamilton-Irvine, QUT
- Melissa Mallet, QUT
- Leysha Penfold, J School
Metropolitan campus winner: Melissa Mallet
Judges’ comments:
Melissa shows a flair for television news reporting which was clearly
demonstrated in her award entries, and has a promising career ahead of
her.
Best Cadet or J1 Journalist Award (All Media) – Sponsored by ABC
Finalists:
- Amy Remeikis, Sunshine Coast Daily, Body of Work
- Patrick Lion, The Courier-Mail, Body of Work
- Kathleen Donaghey, The Toowoomba Chronicle, Body of Work
Winner: Patrick Lion, The Courier-Mail, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:
The judges were impressed by the standard in this year's Cadet and J1
category and all finalists are commended for their performance in a
consistent body of work. In reaching a final decision the panel
considered the journalist's ability to adapt and report across a wide
range of areas whether it is in a regional or metropolitan market. The
panel encourages this year's finalists to vigorously attempt to break
news while developing and honing their reporting skills.
Freelance Journalism Award (All Media) – Sponsored by James Cook University
Finalists:
- Desiree Duncan, Wynnum Herald, “Wynnum Herald 60th Anniversary Special Edition”
- Brian Cassey, The Courier-Mail, “Larry”
Winner: Brian Cassey, The Courier-Mail, “Larry”
Judges’ comments:
Just hours after Cyclone Larry crossed the coast at Innisfail, Cairns-based freelance photographer Brian Cassey was taking some of the first pictures for Australia and the world. The scope and quality of Brian’s images of wrecked houses and lives gave us a mere glimpse of what had happened in far north Queensland. The shock, grief and disbelief on the faces of young couples and elderly residents mixed with aerial shots of the matchstick remains of homes and businesses left us gasping as well. In the very best traditions of the travelling freelancer, Brian immediately reacted to the crisis, got the shots and got them out.
Best Coverage of Indigenous Affairs (All Media) – Sponsored by James Cook University
Finalists:
- Greg Reid, Bumma Bippera Media, “Talk Black”
- Jeff Waters, ABC, “Palm Anniversary”
- Tony Koch, The Australian, “Dirty Big Secret”
Special mention: The judges made special mention of the
short-listed entry by Tony Koch. Tony’s ongoing commitment to
indigenous affairs over many years has been a shining example of the
role mainstream media can play in bringing to the fore the issues
affecting indigenous people.
Winner: Greg Reid, Bumma Bippera Media, “Talk Black”
Judges’ comments:
Talk Black showed an ongoing commitment to indigenous affairs. The
program enjoys a solid following in the indigenous community and
highlights issues which come to the attention of powerbrokers, and
invariably sparks wider coverage in the mainstream media. By providing
a vehicle to disseminate information to the indigenous community, it is
well placed to tap into issues affecting its audience and uses that
symbiotic relationship to good effect.
Multicultural Media Award (All Media) – Sponsored by Multicultural Affairs Queensland
Finalists:
- Margie Smithurst, ABC, “Asian Seniors”
- Kathleen Donaghey, The Toowoomba Chronicle, “People’s Stories”
- Clare Atkinson, 4ZZZ, “Harvest Festival”
Winner: Kathleen Donaghey, The Toowoomba Chronicle, “People’s Stories”
Judges’ comments:
Kathleen Donaghey’s Garden of Diversity Project was a fascinating
showcase of multiculturalism. She drew the rich colour of their lives
with word, picture and narrative. As many journalists would know, it is
often difficult to persuade editors of the merits of multicultural
reports which do not involve hard news angles. Kathleen produced seven
sensitively written profiles on Australians from countries including
India, Bosnia, Tibet, Sudan and the Philippines.
Best Coverage of Children’s or Young People’s Issues (All Media) – Sponsored by Commission for Children and Young People & Child Guardian
Finalists:
- Jo Herriman-Ariel, Network Ten’s TTN, Body of Work
- Jenny Woodward, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Dimity Dornan: Hear and Say”
Winner: Jo Herriman-Ariel, Network Ten’s TTN, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:
Network Ten’s TTN produced an impressive body of work which showed its ongoing commitment to highlighting issues relevant to young people. The series of programs presented were a well-researched mix of stories. Rather than just presenting the news of the day in a manner which was easily digestible for children, the program went a step further in running stories about youth issues for the young people directly affected. In so doing, they engaged a generation which will in all probability be entrusted with addressing the youth issues of today when they walk the halls of power. In all, Network Ten presented a package which showed a depth of coverage and which reflects the importance of an ongoing commitment to youth issues and educating youth.
Best Road Safety Awareness Report (All Media) – Sponsored by RACQ & CarsQ
Finalists:
- Bruce McMahon, The Courier-Mail’s Q Weekend, “United at Random”
- Michelle Day, Gympie Times, “Who Helps The Helpers?”
- Cameron Atfield, The Courier-Mail, “Road Deaths Rob Families of Christmas Joy”
Winner: Bruce McMahon, The Courier-Mail’s Q Weekend, “United at Random”
Judges’ comments:
Bruce McMahon’s article brilliantly demonstrated the ripple effect of
one tragedy on up to 100 people. It was written in a very non-emotional
way, but managed to powerfully put over the damage and hurt that
follows a road tragedy. It broke the mould in its approach to the
difficult issue.
Excellence in Agri-Business Reporting (All Media) – Sponsored by Rural Press Club of Queensland
Finalists:
- Kathleen Skene, Herbert River Express, “Sugar Prices Soar”
- Tracy Bange, Herbert River Express, Body of Work
- MaryLou Costa, Herbert River Express, Body of Work
Winner: MaryLou Costa, Herbert River Express, Body of Work
Judges’ comments:
Working in the heart of the far north sugar cane growing region,
MaryLou Costa’s body of work demonstrates the importance of the media’s
role in supporting and informing local communities. Her research skills
and commitment to giving many voices a chance to be heard impressed the
judging panel. The panel noted that although agriculture is a vital
element of the Queensland economy and many regional media outlets
provide consistent coverage, this category was very poorly supported in
the Queensland Media Awards.
Excellence in Rural Journalism (All Media) – Sponsored by Rural Press Club of Queensland
Finalists:
- Tracy Bange, Herbert River Express, Body of Work
- Sally Sara, ABC-TV’s Landline, “After The Storm”
- Kathleen Skene, Herbert River Express, Body of Work
Winner: Sally Sara, ABC-TV’s Landline “After The Storm”
Judges’ comments:
Sally Sara’s experience as an accomplished journalist and her
extraordinary ability to tell the story proved irresistible to the
judging panel. The devastating effect of the category four cyclone
named “Larry” was one of the biggest national stories this year. Sally
Sara was among the many Queensland journalists who travelled to the
region and brought the unfolding story to the world. In this Landline
edition, Sally was among the first to explore the lasting implications
for the local farming industries. Long before we were paying $18 a kilo
for bananas, Sally stood in the battered plantations and showed us why.
But more than that, she showed us what the big storm up north meant for
the thousands of farmers, pickers and processors and their families.
Best TV News Report (Television & Radio, Hinchliffe Regional & Suburban Awards) – Sponsored by APN News &
Media
Finalists:
- Jessica Ross, WIN News Sunshine Coast, “Traveston Dam Anger”
- Belinda Sanders, ABC-TV News, “Recycling Referendum”
- Rebecca Nardi, Seven News Sunshine Coast, “Need for Speed”
Winner: Rebecca Nardi, Seven News Sunshine Coast, “Need for Speed”
Judges’ comments:
Rebecca Nardi was not content to cover a routine court appearance by a
speeding hoon. After being tipped off about a dynamite video that was
part of the prosecution’s brief, she made a formal application for its
release and proceeded to develop the story into a national
headline-grabber. The footage showed the hoon filming himself driving
at 180 kilometres an hour while weaving through traffic, prompting
another exclusive – his mother’s interview with Rebecca. The story
generated enormous public interest about dangerous driving and only
came about because of her determination to flesh out information that
would otherwise have been buried.
Best Editorial Photograph (Newspapers, Hinchliffe Regional & Suburban Awards) – Sponsored by Foster’s Group
Finalists:
- David Clark, Gold Coast Bulletin, “How much Fun Is This?”
- Luke Marsden, The Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton), “Life in Woori”
- Evan Morgan, Townsville Bulletin, “Hung in the Air”
Winner: David Clark, Gold Coast Bulletin, “How much Fun Is This?”
Judges’ comments:
From an impressive range of entries the judges were struck by the
energy and artistic merit in Clarks’ shot of a body-boarder free
falling into violent churning surf at Currumbin. David chanced on the
scene after going to Currumbin late in the afternoon to prepare for the
following day’s Anzac Day dawn service. He had limited time in fading
light to set up and spot his target. The fate of the body-boarder is
unknown.
Best Feature (Newspapers, Hinchliffe Regional & Suburban Awards) – Sponsored by Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village
Finalists:
- Kate McIntosh, The Toowoomba Chronicle, “The Big Dry”
- Kate McIntosh, The Toowoomba Chronicle, “Long Way Home”
- Rae Wilson & Rebecca Marshall, Sunshine Coast Daily, “Fringes Of Paradise”
Winner: Rae Wilson & Rebecca Marshall, Sunshine Coast Daily, “Fringes Of Paradise”
Judges’ comments:
This story made for a compelling read. Rae Wilson painted a bleak
picture of life in Sunshine Coast caravan parks using excellent
interviews with residents to illustrate her story. Yet her piece was
far from one-dimensional. In this well-researched story, she looked
into the reasons behind park violence and even revealed an upside:
investigating how another caravan park had turned around its shady
image.
Best News Report (Newspapers, Hinchliffe Regional & Suburban Awards) – Sponsored by Queensland Rail
Finalists:
- Rebecca Marshall, Sunshine Coast Daily, “US Navy”
- Carolyn Tucker, Sunshine Coast Daily, “Hospital Fiasco”
- Fiona Hamilton, Gold Coast Bulletin, “Badlands”
Winner: Carolyn Tucker, Sunshine Coast Daily, “Hospital Fiasco”
Judges’ comments:
In this extremely well written collection of articles, Carolyn Tucker
exposed the wheeling and dealing behind an expensive and important
piece of public infrastructure. This thoroughly researched piece had
major political implications: helping to spark a CMC investigation into
former Health Minister Gordon Nuttall which in turn played a role in
his decision not to contest the recent state election. Carolyn's piece
was the stand out entry in this category.
Best Illustration/Graphic (Newspapers) – Sponsored by JUST Super
Finalists:
- Tony Bela, The Courier-Mail, “Beaconsfield Rescue”
- Joanne Brooker, The Walkley Magazine, “Capote – In Cold Blood”
- Tristan Riguet, Stradbroke Island News, “Slow Road Sign”
Winner: Tony Bela, The Courier-Mail, “Beaconsfield Rescue”
Judges’ comments:
In his three-dimensional graphic Tony Bela depicted the scenes beneath
the Beaconsfield mine in Tasmania in a way that no words could
adequately describe. It was the first real insight into the
difficulties of the rescue operation and how it would need to progress
to free the two miners. Tony highlighted the scenes: the trapped miners
in a cage among boulders and rubble; the rescuers using a small pipe to
convey food and messages; and the heavy equipment of those trying to
clear a path to the men. As the rescue progressed and more details of
the predicament were revealed, the fundamentals as shown in this
illustration were shown to be accurate.
Best Cartoon (Newspapers) – Sponsored by Seven News
Finalists:
- Sean Leahy, The Courier-Mail, “Whoopsie Daisy”
- Joanne Brooker, The Walkley Magazine, “Going The Biff With Kerry”
- Joanne Brooker, The Walkley Magazine, “Glamour”
Winner: Joanne Brooker, The Walkley Magazine, “Going The Biff With Kerry”
Judges’ comments:
Joanne Brooker’s cartoon “Going The Biff With Kerry” captured the
essence of the media magnate in a classic fighting stance. Executives
who dared to defy the man were depicted as squashed bugs in his boxing
gloves. Anyone who has worked with Packer would recognise the glint in
his narrowed eyes.
The illustration by Brooker, a freelance illustrator, was a perfect match for the Gary Scully story that went with it.
Best Three Headlines (Newspapers) – Sponsored by Seven News
Finalists:
- Geoff Shearer, The Courier-Mail, “Nice try, but no cigar, after
Bill tried to play ‘round of golf”, “Oh, tie a yellow ribbon, ‘round
that old joke me” and “First it was to the Right, now she’s listing
again”.
- Steele Tallon, The Sunday Mail, “Short But Sweet”, “Cruise Control”, “121 not out” and “Lives On The Line”.
Winner: Geoff Shearer, The Courier-Mail, “Nice try, but no cigar, after Bill tried to play ‘round of golf”, “Oh, tie a yellow ribbon, ‘round that old joke tree” and “First it was to the Right, now she’s listing again”
Judges’ comments:
Geoff Shearer showed the value of using great headlines to complement a
picture and entice the readers deeper into the page. His headline on
Pauline Hanson showed knowledge of political history, which when read
in conjunction with the photo told the whole story. In his other two
submissions, Geoff’s use of subtle twists on well-known themes worked
well. The judges lamented the fact that this was the only award open to
sub-editors and it was restricted purely to headlines with no avenue
open to judge the craft of either subbing copy, or designing pages.
Best Editorial Photograph (Newspapers) – Sponsored by Ten News
Finalists
- David Kelly, The Courier-Mail, “Best in Show”
- Rob Maccoll, The Courier-Mail, “Nothing Sticks”
- Brian Cassey, The Courier-Mail, “Indefatigable”
Winner: Rob Maccoll, The Courier-Mail, “Nothing Sticks”
Judges’ comments:
In capturing the Premier walking through the mud and then wiping it off
his shoes, the photographer was able to tell a much broader story. The
image encapsulated the story of a Premier who, despite significant
crisis within his government, was able to capture the moment, and then
the sequence. It was both newsworthy and symbolic. In what many
consider to have been a stage-managed election campaign, it captured an
unguarded moment with precision and humour. Thus the photograph was the
story.
Best Sports Report (Newspapers) – Sponsored by Ten News
Finalists:
- Bernie Pramberg & Bart Sinclair, The Courier-Mail, “Makybe Diva”
- Andrew Hamilton, The Courier-Mail, “Big Name Exodus From Lions”
- David Lems, The Queensland Times, ”Lovely Emotion”
Winner: Andrew Hamilton, The Courier-Mail, “Big Name Exodus From Lions”
Judges’ comments:
The story of Akermanis’ split from the Lions dominated the second half
of the AFL season largely due to the stories broken by Andrew Hamilton.
His use of contacts within the Club allowed him to set the agenda and
ultimately contributed to the demise of the once great “Aker”.
Best Feature Article (Newspapers) – Sponsored by The University of Queensland
Finalists:
- Leisa Scott, The Courier-Mail, “Stolen Memories”
- Jamie Walker, The Courier-Mail, “ The Caroline de Costa Profile”
- Margaret Wenham, The Courier-Mail, “ Helpless In The System”
Winner: Margaret Wenham, The Courier-Mail, “Helpless In The System”
Judges’ comments:
This was an extremely strong field. The judges noted that the brilliant
entries came from the old Courier-Mail broadsheet or the freshly born Q
Weekend. Margaret Wenham’s piece delved behind closed doors to reveal
deep flaws in the social justice system. Her article ultimately let to
a Disability Services Queensland review.
Best News Report (Newspapers) – Sponsored by The University of Queensland
Finalists:
- Tonia Moorton, Michelle Robinson & Cath Fouracre, Caboolture News, “Save Our Hospital”
- Jason Gregory, The Courier-Mail, “Chemical Neglect”
- Michael McKenna & Tony Koch, The Australian, “Merger Malfunction”
Winner: Jason Gregory, The Courier-Mail, “Chemical Neglect”
Judges’ comments:
In breaking the story about the chemical waste from the industry in the
Narangba area, Jason Gregory showed a great deal of persistence,
initiative and courage. It required extensive research using primary
sources, leaked government material and court documents. The story,
although complicated because of the scale of the problem and the
scientific elements, was well told.
Its public impact was considerable. A number of the businesses were
identified for removal. Residents began legal action, and council and
state planning instruments were under the spotlight. The coverage
articulated the public policy issues while also clearly showing the
strong human impact. The entry encapsulated what a good news story
should be about. Good research, which uncovered important information
told in a compelling and engaging way.
Best News Camera Work (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by Quest Community Newspapers
Finalists:
- Michael Augustus & Mark Chapman, Ten News, “Shooting”
- Craig Myers, NBN Television, “Factory Fire”
Winner: Michael Augustus and Mark Chapman, Ten News, “Shooting”
Judges’ comments:
This story was obviously shot under difficult circumstances, given the
presence of police, the location and time of day. It was shot well and
had great newsworthy shots, for example an injured police officer being
tended to by a colleague. It would have been a difficult location to
film and could have been dangerous to the crew. Regardless, the Camera
Operator had many great shots that told a story with compassion to the
injured police officer. There were good telling shots of the police
forensic team, on scene action, as well as being well lit. This entry
was of a high standard.
Best Cinematography (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by Quest Community Newspapers
No finalists were listed in this category.
Winner: John Varga, Seven News, “Mary Valley Report”
Judges’ comments:
This video was chosen as the winner because of its high quality camera
work, on a story that would have otherwise been picture poor. The
Camera Operator had well executed shots, a nice use of wide-angle lens,
good frame compositions and a good use of soft light and back light.
This entry was a high standard for News Cinematography and is a
well-deserved winner.
Best Radio News Report (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by Griffith University
Finalists:
- Kellie Riordan, 612 ABC Brisbane, “Criminals or Patients”
- Conor Duffy, ABC Radio, “Cyclone Larry”
- Darren Roberts, 4BC/4BH, “Ministerial Reshuffle”
Winner: Kellie Riordan, 612 ABC Brisbane, “ Criminals or Patients”
Judges’ comments:
In a gripping interview with a woman who had been charged with the
attempted murder of a difficult family member, Kellie Riordan explored
the difficult themes about mental health. The poignant interview laid
bare the torment of mentally ill offenders caught between the criminal
justice system and psychiatric institutions. It came hard on the heels
of the most recent public frenzy over the day release of a notorious
mentally ill offender, Claude Gabriel. The interview presented another
compelling side in a debate that is often politicised.
Best Radio Current Affairs or Public Interest Program (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by Griffith University
Finalists:
- Conor Duffy, ABC Radio, “Mt Mulligan”
- Antony Funnell, ABC Radio National, “Financial Abuse of The Elderly”
- Jeff Waters, ABC Radio’s PM, “Palm Island Housing”
Winner:
Jeff Waters, ABC Radio’s PM, “Palm Island Housing”
Judges’ comments:
Jeff waters took the initiative and visited Palm Island to tell a story
no other electronic media, nor indeed no other media had been willing
to tell. Jeff tried to look beyond Palm Island's violent reputation to
attempt to understand the heart of the community's many problems. Being
on the island, rather than covering the issue over the phone, he
connected with his interviewees and the natural sound used in this
piece made this story compelling. Jeff's passion for indigenous issues
shined through in this piece.
Best TV or Radio Sports Report (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by The Courier-Mail /The Sunday Mail
There were no finalists in this category.
Winner: Claire Forster, Kirstin Murray, Kristine Taylor, Roger Carter and Angela Trabucco, ABC-TV’s Australian Story, “ A Wealth Of Friends”
Judges’ comments:
The judges were extremely disappointed that in the biggest sporting
nation, in a Commonwealth Games year, only one entry was received in
this category.
However, they believed that the Australian Story entry was a worthy
winner. A wealth of friends uncovered one of Australia’s lesser-known
sporting greats and how his friendship with a wealthy benefactor is now
underwriting Queensland’s medical research bodies.
Best TV Documentary or Feature (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by The Courier-Mail/The Sunday Mail
Finalists:
- Mark Willacy, ABC-TV’s Foreign Correspondent, “Jerusalem Syndrome”
- Kirstin Murray & Angela Trabucco, ABC-TV’s Australian Story, “The Lost Boy”
- Peter Doherty, Seven Network, “Cyclone Larry”
Joint winners: Kirstin Murray & Angela Trabucco, ABC-TV’s Australian Story, “The Lost Boy” and Peter Doherty, Seven Network, “Cyclone Larry”
Judges’ comments:
In a very strong field of entries two shining lights emerged:
Australian Story’s revealing insight into footballer Ian Roberts and
the Seven News Documentary after Cyclone Larry. In the Australian
Story, Ian Roberts shocked even those closest to him when he revealed
his relationship with a paedophile victim who ended up buried in a
shallow grave. Seven News’s Cyclone Larry documentary went beyond the
story relating to the immediate devastation caused by Larry to examine
the wider issues of cyclones in Queensland.
Best TV Current Affairs Over 10 Minutes (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by The Courier-Mail/The Sunday Mail
Finalists:
- Matt Wordsworth, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Police Vests”
- Claire Forster, Kirstin Murray, Kristine Taylor, Roger Carter &
Angela Trabucco, ABC-TV’s Australian Story, “The Mourning After”
- Jeff Waters, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Palm Anniversary”
Winner: Claire Forster, Kirstin Murray, Kristine Taylor, Roger Carter & Angela Trabucco, ABC-TV’s Australian Story, “The Mourning After”
Judges’ comments:
Australian Story broke the Brimble story, which has continued to
dominate headlines. Until this program, few could have recognised the
name or been aware of the shortcomings of the investigation that
followed her death. It was emotional and compelling viewing.
Best Current Affairs Under 10 Minutes (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by QUT Creative Industries
Finalists:
- Jeff Waters, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Palm Island Housing”
- Jenny Woodward, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Wild Weather”
Commended: Jenny Woodward, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Wild Weather”
Winner: Jeff Waters, ABC-TV’s Stateline, “Palm Island Housing”
Judges’ comments:
An Insightful tale of poverty in an Australian town, this Stateline
report by Jeff Waters continues the great ABC tradition of Today
Tonight and Four Corners in telling a story that politicians and
bureaucrats would prefer remained untold. Yet it does so using the
latest digital storytelling technologies. In one sense it is an all too
familiar story – geographic isolation, third world living standards,
and bureaucratic culpability. In another sense it is a very timely
story, which explains the Palm Island riots that followed the death of
an indigenous person in custody, the Coroner’s Report into which was
released the day entries were judged.
Best TV News Report (Television & Radio) – Sponsored by QUT Creative Industries
Finalists:
- Jeff Waters, ABC-TV News, “Papuan Exiles”
- Brett Clappis, Ten News, “Cyclone Larry”
- Seven News Team, “Cyclone Larry”
Winner: Brett Clappis, Ten News, “Cyclone Larry”
Judges’ comments:
Coverage of Cyclone Larry – one of the biggest stories of 2006 – was
outstanding by all the networks. What set Brett Clappis’ report apart
was that he was the only reporter to file from Innisfail during the
cyclone. His coverage and that of his Camera Operator allowed
Queenslanders too see the devastation of Larry first hand.
Best Online/Wire Report (All Media) – Sponsored by Queenslanders
Finalists:
- Chris Griffith & Daniel Hammond, The Courier-Mail, “Multimedia Investigations”
- Cameron Atfield, Neil Hickey, Graeme Parks, Chris Griffith, Neale
Maynard, Cindy Lord, Paula Doneman & Terry O’Connor, The
Courier-Mail, “Steve Irwin Dead”
- Australian Associated Press Team, “The Day the Croc Hunter Died”
Winner: Chris Griffith & Daniel Hammond, The Courier-Mail, “Multimedia Investigations”
Judges’ comments:
The winner of Best Online/Wire Report was distinguished in this
category by the comprehensive use of technology in supporting the
story. The winning report was extensively researched, held
newsworthiness, public interest and impact while upholding the Code of
Ethics. The panel was impressed by the innovative use of all available
technology used to illustrate the story and allow the reader access to
a diverse range of supporting references.
Best Business/Property Report (All Media) – Sponsored by O’Neill Scott & Associates Accountants
Finalists:
- Kathleen Skene, Herbert River Express, “Coastal Squeeze”
- John McCarthy, The Courier-Mail, “Point of No Return”
- Liam Walsh, The Courier-Mail, “ The Tunnel Float”
Winner: Liam Walsh, The Courier -Mail, “ The Tunnel Float”
Judges’ comments:
Instead of swallowing the official line about the value of an upcoming
float of Queensland’s newest public company, Liam Walsh tunnelled into
the true story. He discovered that some of the public statements being
released by the RiverCity Motorway Group omitted relevant information
that the public had a right to know. Facts including a discrepancy in
traffic volume estimates, which would have affected revenues and the
benefits to investors, were exposed.
Best Comment, Analysis, Opinion & Critique (All Media) – Sponsored by Three Plus
- Finalists:
- Tony Koch, The Australian, Body of Work
- Dennis Atkins, The Courier-Mail, “Party Games”
- Paul Syvret, The Courier-Mail, “Tuesday View”
Joint Winners: Dennis Atkins, The Courier-Mail, “Party Games” and
Paul Syvret, The Courier-Mail, “Tuesday View”
Judges’ comments:
Both winners represent two different styles, equally insightful,
revelatory and analytical. Dennis Atkins’ Party Games columns show
considerable depth of political knowledge, and diverse and reliable
sources. His political memory shows through in his writing, and his
ability to see through divergent political manoeuvres. Paul Syvret’s
work shows strength of opinion over a diverse range of topics. He has
an ability to clearly articulate a complex issue and make it engaging
to the broader readership. His frequent use of humour and analogy
delivers the reader incisive and thought-provoking public analysis.
Best Investigative Report (All Media) – Sponsored by Shine Lawyers
Finalists:
- Matt Wordsworth, ABC-TV’s Stateline & News, “Police Vests”
- Amanda Paterson & Lisa Ryan, Channel Nine’s A Current Affair, “Catching Casanova”
- Tony Koch, The Australian, “Parliament’s Antiques Fall Into Truck”
Winner: Amanda Paterson & Lisa Ryan, Channel Nine’s A Current Affair, “Catching Casanova”
Judges’ comments:
In an extremely tough category, the judges decided that a riveting
campaign about a serial fraudster and his many victims deserved the
honours. The exposure of Ben Marks took a massive behind-the-scenes
effort. In the face of apathy from Queensland police, Amanda Paterson
and Lisa Ryan unearthed facts about his unlawful modus operandi that
eventually forced the police to act. The ACA team persuaded more than
30 women who had been conned to tell their humiliating stories about
rip-offs totalling hundreds of thousands of dollars. The investigations
outed Marks for purporting to be a police officer, a dog handler, a
vet, a doctor, a helicopter rescuer and a Brisbane Bronco. The ACA
team’s persistence put Marks out of business in two states. It was a
story that made you laugh and cringe. It was doggedly pursued, well
told, and capped with drama.
Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism (All Media) – Sponsored by Virgin Blue
Winner: Peter Morley, The Courier-Mail
