Career Trajectory: From Adelaide to National Influence
Tory Shepherd has carved a distinctive path in Australian journalism, blending rigorous political analysis with incisive commentary on societal shifts. Her career began at The Advertiser in 2006, where she honed her skills as a cadet before ascending to roles like federal political editor and space/defense reporter. A 15-year tenure at News Corp saw her split time between Canberra and Adelaide, covering elections, policy debates, and military projects. Her 2021 transition to Guardian Australia as a senior reporter marked a shift toward deeper investigations into climate, media dynamics, and the intersection of politics and public discourse.
Notable Career Milestones
- Federal Political Editor (2012–2018): Chronicled three prime ministerships, analyzing leadership spills and policy shifts.
- Space & Defense Reporter (2018–2020): Embedded with defense projects, including AUKUS submarine developments.
- Podcast Host (2021–2022): Co-created Mapping Evil, blending true crime with social analysis.
Key Articles and Impact
- The rise of ‘rugged, woodsy dude’ trucks: how supersized vehicles dominate Australian roads This investigation into the environmental and cultural impact of oversized vehicles dissected marketing narratives targeting hyper-masculinity. Shepherd linked the rise of Rams and Ford Rangers to increased urban congestion and carbon emissions, citing transport department data showing a 40% spike in large SUV registrations since 2020. The article’s analysis of advertising tropes—chainsaw-wielding “dudes” conquering nature—sparked parliamentary discussions about vehicle emission standards.
- Methodology: Combined automotive sales data, marketing content analysis, and interviews with urban planners.
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- Federal government reverses $900 million automotive funding cuts Shepherd’s scoop on the automotive sector funding reversal highlighted tensions between industry lobbying and climate commitments. She revealed how the Automotive Transformation Scheme’s revival followed closed-door meetings between manufacturers and the energy minister, contrasting this with simultaneous cuts to EV infrastructure budgets.
- Impact: Prompted Senate inquiries into lobbying transparency.
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- Far-right populism linked to misinformation spread, study finds Analyzing a University of Sydney study, Shepherd connected Australia’s misinformation crisis to populist rhetoric weaponizing “anti-elite” sentiment. The piece featured exclusive interviews with researchers tracking disinformation networks across regional media outlets.
Beat Analysis & Pitching Recommendations
1. Climate Policy’s Human Impact
Shepherd prioritizes stories examining how environmental decisions affect marginalized communities. Her truck industry exposé exemplifies this lens. Pitches should foreground personal narratives—e.g., farmers adapting to emission laws or workers in transitioning industries.
2. Defense Sector Accountability
With deep contacts in defense, she scrutinizes procurement processes and geopolitical implications. Successful pitches might explore: AI ethics in warfare, veteran mental health systems, or regional security partnerships beyond AUKUS.
3. Media Democracy Threats
Her Bluesky analysis of misinformation ecosystems shows interest in structural media challenges. Pitch investigations into platform algorithms, local news deserts, or press freedom erosion during crises.
4. Avoid Celebrity-Driven Angles
While she occasionally references pop culture (e.g., Super Bowl ads), avoid pitches centered on celebrity figures unless directly tied to policy debates.
5. Data-Rich Investigations
Shepherd’s work integrates datasets (transport registries, election funding disclosures). Provide clear pathways to original data sources in pitches.
Awards and Achievements
- Churchill Fellowship (2020): Awarded for proposed research into misinformation in regional media ecosystems. The fellowship enabled a six-country study comparing Australian disinformation trends with global patterns.
- Walkley Awards Judge (2022–present): As part of the investigative journalism panel, she evaluates entries based on rigor and societal impact, reflecting her own reporting values.
- SA Press Club Best Columnist (2010): Recognized for her Advertiser series on healthcare inequities in rural South Australia.
