Nick McKenzie is a senior investigative journalist at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, specializing in politics, crime, and military affairs. With 14 Walkley Awards and four Australian Journalist of the Year titles, his work has triggered royal commissions, legislative reforms, and international investigations.
McKenzie began his career as a cadet journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before joining Fairfax Media (now Nine Entertainment). His early work focused on organized crime and corporate fraud, but his scope expanded to include national security, military conduct, and foreign interference.
“Investigative journalism isn’t just about uncovering secrets—it’s about holding power to account when no one else will.”
This investigation into the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) revealed ties between union officials and organized crime figures, including alleged payments to Melbourne underworld identity Mick Gatto. Banking records and gangland sources detailed financial transactions routed through front companies, prompting federal police raids. The article forced the CFMEU to convene an emergency meeting addressing systemic corruption and gender-based violence within its ranks, marking a pivotal moment in Australian labor accountability.
McKenzie’s coverage of the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial—the longest and most expensive in Australian history—exposed critical ethical debates in journalism. Secret recordings revealed McKenzie’s strategic use of leaked legal documents to counter Roberts-Smith’s claims, ultimately leading to a landmark court ruling that validated allegations of war crimes. The case underscored McKenzie’s relentless pursuit of truth despite legal and professional risks.
In collaboration with Chris Masters, McKenzie’s four-year investigation into Australian Special Forces uncovered evidence of unlawful killings and cover-ups. The report relied on whistleblower testimonies and classified military documents, resulting in a federal police task force and the dismissal of decorated soldiers. This work redefined public perception of military accountability and earned McKenzie his 14th Walkley Award.
McKenzie prioritizes stories that reveal entrenched corruption within government agencies, unions, or corporations. Pitches should include verifiable documentation (e.g., leaked internal reports, financial records) and whistleblower testimony. For example, his CFMEU investigation combined banking data with gangland sources to trace illicit payments.
Stories about covert foreign influence—particularly involving China—align with McKenzie’s expertise. Provide evidence of political donations, lobbying efforts, or intelligence leaks. His 2017 Four Corners documentary on CCP infiltration remains a benchmark for this beat.
McKenzie seeks exclusive access to military whistleblowers or previously classified operational details. The Afghanistan series demonstrated how granular battlefield accounts can drive national policy changes.
Highlight how corporate actions harm public welfare, such as Crown Casino’s ties to organized crime. McKenzie’s work often links corporate behavior to regulatory failures.
Pitches exploring the intersection of media law and investigative reporting will resonate. The Roberts-Smith case revealed McKenzie’s willingness to navigate legal gray areas to protect sources.
Australia’s highest journalism honor, awarded for investigations spanning foreign bribery, war crimes, and political corruption. His 2023 win for the Roberts-Smith trial coverage solidified his reputation for high-stakes accountability journalism.
Recognized by the Melbourne Press Club for sustained impact, including reforms to customs protocols and military oversight.
Awarded for exposing foreign interference in Australian democracy, a series that reshaped national security legislation.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Politics, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
