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Courts Journalists - Australia

Courts Journalists - AustraliaCourts Journalists - AustraliaCourts Journalists - AustraliaCourts Journalists - Australia

Discover and contact the top Courts journalists in Australia, updated for 2025. If you're interested in contacting Courts journalists, you can sign up below and download the Courts journalists contact list!

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Top Courts Journalists in Australia (2025)

The Top Courts Journalists in Australia in 2025 are:

Courts journalist at The Bendigo Advertiser, Australia
Australia
Courts
Entertainment
Arts

As senior journalist at the Bendigo Advertiser, Pedler masterfully navigates two seemingly disparate worlds: the meticulous realm of court reporting and the vibrant regional arts scene. His unique perspective emerges from 14+ years documenting Central Victoria’s social fabric.

Pitching Priorities:

  • Courts: Cases with demonstrable community impact over celebrity trials
  • Arts: Projects bridging creative expression and civic engagement

Notable for refusing to silo his coverage, Pedler frequently draws connections between legal precedents and cultural shifts. A 2021 retrospective highlighted his ability to find common threads between pandemic-era courtroom adaptations and innovative theater productions.

Courts journalist at The Daily Telegraph, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
National News

Danielle Gusmaroli is a Senior Reporter and European Correspondent for The Daily Telegraph, specializing in courts, crime, and national news. Based in Sydney and London, her work often examines hate crime legislation, anti-Semitism, and cultural diplomacy. She combines investigative rigor with a knack for human-centered storytelling, making her a pivotal voice in Australian journalism.

Pitching Priorities

  • Hate Speech and Legal Responses: Gusmaroli seeks stories on legislative updates or community-led initiatives combating prejudice. Her coverage of anti-Semitic graffiti in Sydney exemplifies this focus.
  • Royal Diplomacy: While less frequent, her reporting on King Charles’ Pacific engagements highlights interest in cross-cultural diplomacy with geopolitical relevance.

Avoid

  • Corporate Crime: She rarely covers white-collar cases unless they intersect with public policy.
  • International Trade: Focus remains on social and legal issues rather than economic trends.

With a career spanning exclusive court reports and international features, Gusmaroli’s work is essential reading for understanding Australia’s evolving social landscape.

Courts journalist at The Age, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Law

Erin Pearson is a Courts and Crime Reporter for The Age, where she investigates Australia’s legal system with a focus on forensic practices, defamation law, and criminal trials. Her work, including the acclaimed podcast The Missing Campers Trial, combines rigorous analysis with narrative storytelling to demystify complex cases.

Pitching Tips

  • Highlight systemic issues: Pearson prioritizes stories that expose institutional failures, such as her investigation into funeral home mismanagement .
  • Provide expert access: Sources with forensic or legal expertise strengthen pitches, as seen in her collaboration with forensic accountants .

Connect with her via erin.pearson@theage.com.au for stories that intersect law, accountability, and human impact.

Courts journalist at The Border Mail, Australia
Australia
Courts
Photography
Environment

Based in Albury-Wodonga, Mark Jesser brings over a decade of photojournalism experience to The Border Mail, specializing in:

  • Courts Reporting: Regional legal proceedings with community impacts
  • Environmental Documentation: Policy-driven ecological stories
  • Agricultural Innovation: Safety and sustainability in farming

Pitching Priorities

  • Visual Legal Stories: Prefers cases with strong photographic elements, such as evidentiary exhibits or courtroom demonstrations.
  • Cross-Border Impacts: Seeks stories affecting both NSW and Victoria, reflecting The Border Mail’s readership.

Achievements Snapshot

  • 2024 Australian Regional Media Award winner
  • NPAA Photography Finalist
  • 12+ front-page investigations in 2024

Courts journalist at The Australian Financial Review, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Media

Max Mason is the Australian Financial Review's senior courts and corporate crime reporter, bringing unique insights from his prior roles covering technology and media regulation. With 12+ years at AFR, his work bridges complex legal developments and business impacts.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Corporate Governance: Tracks director liabilities and shareholder activism trends
  • Regulatory Tech: Analyzes legal frameworks for AI/blockchain adoption
  • Media Economics: Examines sustainability of digital news models

Pitching Preferences

  • Data-Rich Insights: Prefers stories with original datasets or visualizations
  • Policy Angles: Seeks examples of legislation driving market changes
  • Global Context: Values international comparisons with Australian implications

cybercrime, entertainment media

Courts journalist at The Courier-Mail, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Law

Peter Michael is The Courier-Mail’s preeminent courts and crime specialist, operating at the intersection of legal procedure and community impact. His work across News Corp Australia’s network has established him as:

  • Legal Translator: Excels at decoding complex judgments for public consumption
  • Infrastructure Watchdog: Tracks court facility conditions and access-to-justice issues
  • Sentencing Analyst: Monitors trends in punitive vs. rehabilitative approaches

Pitching Priorities

  • Do: Lead with verified case documents or sentencing remarks
  • Don’t: Pitch celebrity legal dramas without systemic implications

Recent recognition includes the 2023 Queensland Media Award for Court Reporting, honoring his pandemic-era coverage of virtual proceedings.

Courts journalist at Herald Sun, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Law

As chief court reporter for Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Cavanagh specializes in:

  • Criminal Justice System Analysis: Tracks sentencing trends, parole reforms, and judicial appointments
  • High-Profile Case Coverage: Provides gavel-to-gavel reporting on major trials
  • Legal Education Outreach: Collaborates with law schools on media literacy programs

Pitching Priorities

  • Do: Lead with verified court documents or sentencing statistics
  • Don’t: Pitch opinion-based legal commentary
  • Unique Angle: Stories bridging legal outcomes and community impacts

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Courts journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Law

Sarah McPhee is The Sydney Morning Herald’s go-to authority on criminal justice, specializing in courtroom proceedings that shape Australian communities. With a sharp focus on New South Wales’ legal system, she deciphers complex trials into impactful stories that resonate beyond legal circles.

Pitching Insights

  • Seek: Case studies illustrating how sentencing precedents affect marginalized groups
  • Avoid: Theoretical discussions of legislation without real-world applications

Her digital-first approach combines live trial updates with deep-dive analyses, making her work essential reading for understanding Australia’s evolving justice landscape. While not explicitly documented in available sources, her reporting likely contributes to broader conversations about judicial transparency and victim rights.

Courts journalist at The Australian, Australia
Australia
Courts
Law
Crime

Tessa Akerman is a courts journalist at The Australian specializing in family law and culturally complex criminal cases. Her reporting frequently examines how judicial decisions intersect with public health outcomes and community welfare.

Pitching Insights

  • Do: Highlight cases with documented health impacts (e.g., medical evidence in custody battles)
  • Avoid: White-collar financial crimes or corporate litigation
“The court’s role extends beyond interpreting laws – it shapes societal norms about responsibility,” Akerman noted in her analysis of the landmark smoking restriction case.

For recent work examples, see her coverage of child welfare rulings and forced marriage prosecutions.

Courts journalist at The West Australian, Australia
Australia
Courts
Crime
Law

Tim Clarke, Legal Affairs Editor at The West Australian, specializes in criminal justice reporting with a focus on high-profile trials and systemic reforms. Based in Perth, his work bridges courtroom details and human stories, making complex legal processes accessible to millions.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Criminal Trials: Detailed analyses of forensic evidence and procedural justice
  • Victim Advocacy: Spotlighting survivor stories and support systems
  • Court Innovation: Pandemic-era adaptations and technology integration

Pitching Insights

  • Focus on Impact: Stories demonstrating legal changes’ real-world effects
  • Localize National Issues: How WA policies reflect broader Australian trends

Recent accolades include a Kennedy Award for his groundbreaking podcast series and recognition from Press Freedom Australia for ethical crime reporting. Clarke continues to shape public understanding of justice through relentless courtroom scrutiny and compassionate storytelling.

Law journalist at The Age, Australia
Australia
Law
Crime
Courts

Cameron Houston is a senior law journalist at The Age, Australia’s premier outlet for legal analysis. With a career dedicated to demystifying complex judicial processes, he covers criminal law, legislative reforms, and courtroom dynamics.

Pitching Insights

  • Focus Areas: Prioritize stories involving federal court rulings, public safety legislation, or regional crime trends. His 2024 investigation into bail law reforms exemplifies this focus.
  • Avoid: Maritime disputes or corporate contract litigation fall outside his beat.

Achievements

  • 2023 Australian Legal Journalism Award for investigative reporting
  • Cited in parliamentary debates on sentencing guideline reforms

Law journalist at The Bendigo Advertiser, Australia
Australia
Law
Courts
Local Government

As The Bendigo Advertiser's senior legal affairs reporter, D'Agostino specializes in:

  • Municipal Policy Implementation: Track record of following local ordinances from proposal to outcomes
  • Regional Court System Analysis: Particular interest in access-to-justice issues for rural communities
  • Community Advocacy Impacts: Documents how grassroots organizations shape local governance

Pitching Preferences

  • Prefers data-supported stories with clear regional Victoria angles
  • Responds best to concise emails with "Regional Legal Impact" in subject line
  • Routinely covers stories over 6-12 month timelines rather than one-off events
"The most impactful stories live where legislation meets daily life."

Recent recognition includes the 2022 Victorian Media Award for her investigation into legal aid distribution disparities. Those seeking collaboration should note her 3-6 week lead time for complex investigations.

Law journalist at The Courier-Mail, Australia
Australia
Law
Crime
Courts

With over three decades at The Courier-Mail, Kay Dibben has become Australia’s preeminent court and legal affairs reporter. Her work focuses on:

  • Criminal Justice System Analysis Examining sentencing patterns, judicial decision-making, and legislative impacts
  • Organized Crime Networks Tracking drug trafficking operations and money laundering schemes
  • Courtroom Transparency Demystifying complex trial processes for public understanding

Pitching Priorities

  • Seek: Data-rich case studies, judicial reform analysis, expert witnesses with unique perspectives
  • Avoid: Civil litigation updates, corporate law developments, speculative legal theories
"The most impactful legal journalism lives at the intersection of human stories and systemic truths."

Politics journalist at The Canberra Times, Australia
Australia
Politics
Health
Courts

Lanie Tindale is an award-winning journalist at The Canberra Times, where she reports on public health, medical research, and ACT governance. With a career rooted in local courts and municipal affairs, she brings procedural rigor to complex health policy stories.

Pitching Priorities

  • Evidence-Based Health Interventions: Prefers data-rich stories with ACT-specific case studies
  • Policy Implementation Gaps: Investigates disparities between legislation and community outcomes
“We don’t want to have our research put people off vaccination—we want to make it as safe as possible.” (Source: Vaccine injury coverage)

Avoid: Celebrity health trends or international political analyses without local ties.

Media journalist at The Daily Telegraph, Australia
Australia
Media
Law
Courts

As Editor-at-Large for The Daily Telegraph, Matthew Benns has become Australia's foremost analyst of media law and public broadcaster accountability. His investigative work focuses on three key areas:

  • Legal Precedents in Journalism: Recent exposes on ABC's courtroom strategies redefined how media organizations approach racial categorization in legal defenses
  • Newsroom Governance: Groundbreaking reports on editorial decision-making processes under digital pressure
  • Ethical Technology Adoption: Seminal analysis of AI's impact on editorial independence

Pitching Priorities

  • Media Law Innovations: Prefers case studies with documented legal outcomes over theoretical discussions
  • Public Institution Analysis: Seeks comparative international perspectives on broadcaster funding models
  • Newsroom Technology: Interested in real-world implementations of AI ethics frameworks

With 30+ years experience spanning Fleet Street to Sydney newsrooms, Benns brings unparalleled historical context to contemporary media challenges. His work continues shaping Australia's media policy landscape through rigorous investigative reporting and strategic editorial leadership.

RealEstate journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
Australia
RealEstate
Courts
UrbanAffairs!

As Sydney Editor at The Sydney Morning Herald, Megan Gorrey specializes in dissecting how urban policy and legal frameworks shape city life. Her reporting spans:

  • Public Housing Redevelopment – Tracking displacement risks and community outcomes in major infrastructure projects
  • Municipal Policy Analysis – Decoding council decisions on crowd management, zoning laws, and service allocation
  • Courts and Sentencing Trends – Focusing on how judicial decisions impact urban communities

Pitching Preferences

  • Source Accessibility – Requires direct access to both policy makers and affected residents
  • Data Integration – Prioritizes stories supported by demographic studies or government datasets
  • Localized Angles – Seeks hyperlocal impacts rather than state/national overviews

Recent recognition includes the 2024 Urban Journalism Fellowship for her investigative work on housing inequality. Avoid pitches involving celebrity legal cases or international real estate markets.

Law journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
Australia
Law
Courts
Education

As the legal affairs reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, Whitbourn specializes in dissecting how Australia’s judicial and educational systems adapt to 21st-century challenges. Her work bridges the gap between legal professionals’ experiences and public policy outcomes.

Pitching Priorities

  • Legal Education Reform: Proposals should address accreditation models, cost barriers, or technology integration.
  • Judicial Policy Analysis: Focus on systemic reforms rather than individual rulings.

Avoid

  • True crime narratives or celebrity-focused legal dramas.

Law journalist at The Australian, Australia
Australia
Law
Courts
Crime

As The Australian’s preeminent legal affairs correspondent, Berkovic dissects courtroom dramas, legislative reforms, and justice system challenges. Her work bridges human stories and policy analysis, making complex legal issues accessible to national audiences.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Family Law: Custody battles, domestic violence cases, surrogacy laws
  • Court Administration: Reporting reforms, judicial appointments, tech integration
  • Criminal Justice: Sentencing trends, prison conditions, rehabilitation programs

Pitching Insights

  • Do: Lead with case studies showing policy impacts
  • Don’t: Pitch corporate law or maritime disputes
  • Unique Angle: Compare Australian laws with Asian-Pacific counterparts
“The best legal journalism doesn’t just report verdicts – it examines how the gavel’s echo affects society.”

Law journalist at The Adelaide Advertiser, Australia
Australia
Law
Courts
Crime

Nigel Hunt is The Adelaide Advertiser’s senior legal affairs correspondent, specializing in courtroom proceedings, criminal justice reforms, and legislative analysis. His reporting provides critical insights into how legal frameworks impact Australian communities, particularly within South Australia.

Pitching Priorities

  • Policy-to-Practice Stories: Seeks case studies illustrating real-world effects of new laws.

Recent accolades include the 2024 SA Press Club Award for his groundbreaking court system investigation. Colleagues describe his work as "the bridge between legal professionals and the public they serve."

Crime journalist at Geelong Advertiser, Australia
Australia
Crime
Courts
GeneralNews!

As News Director at the Geelong Advertiser, Olivia Shying has redefined regional crime reporting through:

  • Investigative Depth: Uncovering systemic failures in rural support systems
  • Community Focus: Amplifying grassroots solutions to complex social issues
  • Ethical Leadership: Mentoring junior staff in sensitive source handling

Pitching Priorities

  • Seeking: Data-driven stories about crime prevention efficacy
  • Seeking: Innovative cross-sector partnerships addressing homelessness
  • Avoiding: Celebrity-focused true crime or speculative legal analysis
"Her work exemplifies how regional journalism can drive tangible policy changes while maintaining human compassion." - Local Government Insider

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Business journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
Australia
Business
Courts
Finance

Sarah Danckert is an award-winning business journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, specializing in corporate governance, labor rights, and financial regulation. Based in Melbourne, her investigations have reshaped Australian labor laws and insolvency practices.

Pitching Insights

  • Core Topics: Corporate malpractice, regulatory gaps, consumer protection, Southeast Asian markets.
  • Preferred Sources: Whistleblowers, aggregated tribunal data, cross-border trade analyses.
  • Avoid: Celebrity CEO profiles, cryptocurrency trends, startup fundraising announcements.

Career Highlights

“Danckert’s work proves that business journalism isn’t just about markets—it’s about justice.” – Walkley Awards Committee

With fluency in Thai and a background in Southeast Asian economics, she brings unique insights into Australia’s regional trade challenges. Her 2015 7-Eleven investigation remains a benchmark for accountability reporting, recovering millions in stolen wages and inspiring nationwide reforms.

Crime journalist at The West Australian, Australia
Australia
Crime
Courts
Philanthropy

Based in Perth, Sarah Steger produces impactful journalism for The West Australian, with particular focus on:

  • Crime & Courts: Drug operations, sexual violence cases, migrant worker exploitation
  • Community Safety: Outdoor preparedness, regional policing challenges
  • Philanthropy: Programs addressing crime root causes

Pitching Preferences

  • Preferred Angles: Human-centered legal stories, data-driven crime trends, prevention-focused philanthropy
  • Avoid: Celebrity true-crime sensationalism, unverified activist claims

Recent accolades include recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists for investigative rigor. Her work consistently drives policy debate while maintaining ethical reporting standards.

Crime journalist at The Courier-Mail, Australia
Australia
Crime
Courts
Law

Shayla Bulloch is a senior crime and courts reporter for The Courier-Mail, specializing in high-profile legal cases, sports-related misconduct, and rural law enforcement challenges. Based in Brisbane, her work combines investigative rigor with a focus on systemic accountability.

Pitching Insights

  • Do pitch: Stories linking sports figures to legal issues, domestic violence policy reforms, or regional policing hurdles.
  • Avoid: White-collar crime or international law angles, which fall outside her beat.
“Her reporting on the Broncos investigation set a benchmark for balancing factual precision with empathy for survivors.” — Regional Editor, News Corp Australia

With a career rooted in community-focused journalism, Bulloch remains a pivotal voice in Queensland’s crime reporting landscape.

Law journalist at The Herald Sun, Australia
Australia
Law
Courts
Crime

Wes Hosking is a legal and crime reporter at The Herald Sun, where he decodes complex judicial processes for mainstream audiences. Based in Melbourne, his work spans public health law, criminal justice reforms, and the intersection of technology with policing.

Pitching Insights

  • What he covers: Victorian court rulings, law enforcement tech upgrades, hyperlocal crime trends.
  • What he avoids: National policy debates without local ties, white-collar crime, international legal theory.

Career Highlights

“Hosking’s reporting on the 2025 lockdowns became essential reading for understanding emergency powers.” – Media analyst, The Australian

With a track record of driving policy discussions through accessible storytelling, Hosking remains a key contact for stories at the crossroads of law and community impact.

Contacting Courts Journalists in Australia

While a well-curated media list is essential, it's equally important to master the art of pitching to Courts journalists in Australia. Learn how to maximize the impact of your campaign by reading this section and delivering a compelling pitch!

When and why to contact Courts journalists

Engaging with Courts journalists requires thoughtful and strategic communication. These journalists often receive numerous pitches on a daily basis, making it critical to present a unique story specifically related to Courts. To increase your chance of a positive response, consider the interests of your target journalists and the wider implications of your story. Avoid getting lost in technical details, and instead aim to illustrate the impact and relevance of your Courts related news. With a well-prepared, insightful pitch, you'll be well positioned to connect effectively with Courts journalists in Australia.

How to contact Courts Journalists

To establish contact with the most influential Climate journalists in Australia, simply sign up and download the most up-to-date list of journalist contacts for 2025. This annual list is diligently updated, guaranteeing you receive the latest information at your fingertips.

How to write a Courts press release

Pitching Etiquette to Courts journalists

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