“Corruption concerns at one of Australia’s biggest councils”
Publication
ABC 7pm News, ABC TV
Year
2018
Category
Television/Video: News Reporting
Alexandra Blucher and Mark Willacy’s reporting broke the story of one of the biggest corruption investigations in Queensland in many years, triggering arrests and serious charges. A charge of official corruption against Logan City Mayor Luke Smith centres on allegations he received a luxury boat from a Chinese developer who donated tens of thousands of dollars to his election campaign. It’s a great example of the crucial role that investigative journalism and TV news can play, taking the lead in exposing corruption in our political system.
Both Willacy and Blucher are journalists for ABC Investigations based in Brisbane
Mark Willacy is a former Middle East and North Asia correspondent who has reported for the ABC in more than 30 countries. He is a three-time Walkley winner.
Alexandra Blucher works across all ABC news and current affairs programs and online platforms. She has also worked in Beijing at China Radio International.
Judges’ comments:
“The Logan Council stories were the result of skilled research and cultivation of sources. The reports exposed apparent corruption at the highest levels of the council. The stories demonstrated investigative news reporting at its finest, as well as its importance in serving local communities.”