Journalists Michelle Grattan and Laurie Oakes were honored with a new award on May 11, 2026, for their political journalism [1, 2].

The recognition highlights the enduring value of rigorous reporting in the Australian capital. As the landscape of political communication shifts, the award underscores a commitment to the traditional standards of investigative depth and accuracy in Canberra.

Grattan and Oakes were recognized specifically for their first-class political journalism and their attention to detail [1, 2]. The award acknowledges the significant impact both reporters have had on how news is reported from the seat of government in Australia [1, 2].

Throughout their careers, both journalists have built reputations for uncovering the inner workings of the Australian government. Their work in Canberra has often set the benchmark for other reporters covering the federal parliament, establishing a legacy of persistence and precision.

The award serves as a formal acknowledgement of their contributions to the field. By honoring these two figures, the award recognizes a specific style of reporting that prioritizes verified facts, and deep sourcing over rapid, unverified cycles of news.

“honoured with a new award for their political journalism”

This award signals a professional effort to preserve high-standard political reporting in Australia. By honoring Grattan and Oakes, the industry emphasizes the importance of the 'Canberra bubble' reporting tradition, where deep institutional knowledge and rigorous fact-checking are prioritized over the speed of the digital news cycle.