ABC journalists Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett have been awarded the prestigious 2025 Gold Walkley Award for their groundbreaking investigation into alarming safety failures within Australia’s childcare industry. The award was announced at the 70th annual Walkley Awards ceremony held on Thursday night, where the ABC secured a total of nine accolades.
Their investigation, which began with the Four Corners story Betrayal of Trust in March, had a profound impact, leading to the suspension of a childcare center, a state parliamentary inquiry, and a series of federal policy changes aimed at enhancing safety standards. The judges, comprising senior figures from the Australian media industry, unanimously selected Ferguson and Gillett for the top honor.
Impactful Investigative Journalism
Ferguson and Gillett’s work, described as a powerful multi-platform investigation, exposed systemic failures in the childcare system. Their findings prompted immediate action and highlighted the urgent need for reform in an industry crucial to the well-being of Australian families.
In addition to the Gold Walkley, the duo also won in three other categories: Television/Video: Current Affairs Short, Television/Video: Current Affairs Long, and All Media: Investigative Journalism, the latter two in collaboration with ABC colleagues Ben Butler and Lara Sonnenschein. They were finalists in the All Media: Coverage of a Major Event and Scoop of the Year categories.
Recognition and Historical Context
This marks the second Gold Walkley for Adele Ferguson, who was previously honored in 2014 for her work with Four Corners in exposing unethical practices in Australia’s major banks. Her continued dedication to uncovering critical issues underscores the importance of investigative journalism in holding powerful entities accountable.
Other ABC winners at the ceremony included Mark Willacy, Jonathan Miller, and Ryan Sheridan for their frontline reporting in Ukraine, and Anne Connolly for her Background Briefing investigation into an aged care killer. The breadth of topics covered by ABC journalists reflects the organization’s commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling.
A Testament to Excellence in Journalism
Walkley Judging Board Chair Sally Neighbour praised the high caliber of this year’s winners and finalists, stating,
“At a time of immense disruption for the news media, it is heartening that the commitment to journalistic independence, excellence, and integrity remains as strong as ever.”
Her remarks highlight the resilience and dedication of journalists in the face of industry challenges.
Meanwhile, 9News’s Andrew Probyn won the Television/Video: News Reporting category for his investigation into Russian gangsters and the Medibank hack. Journalists from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age collectively won six categories, showcasing the competitive landscape of Australian journalism.
Looking Forward
The recognition of Ferguson and Gillett’s work is expected to further drive policy discussions and reforms within the childcare sector. Their investigation serves as a catalyst for ongoing scrutiny and improvement in safety standards, ensuring that the welfare of children remains a national priority.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the achievements celebrated at the Walkley Awards underscore the vital role of journalism in fostering transparency and accountability. The stories brought to light by dedicated journalists like Ferguson and Gillett continue to shape public discourse and influence policy, reinforcing the power of the press in a democratic society.
