UPDATE: Chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal has been awarded the prestigious Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Journalist of the Year for his outstanding reporting and agenda-setting work. The announcement was made during the annual Midwinter Ball held on August 30, 2023, at the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra.
The judges praised Sakkal, who has been with Nine since January 2023, stating, “Paul demonstrates a mastery of his craft, consistently breaking important stories across both sides of politics.” At just 29 years old, he stood out among candidates for his ability to reveal internal policy developments that were often kept under wraps by political leaders.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Sakkal expressed gratitude to his editors and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of his work in informing the public about political affairs. “It’s a huge honour to accept this award, given the names of those who’ve won it previously,” he said. “I’m privileged to help explain what’s happening in politics, with our gun Canberra team, for our valued readers.”
Sakkal’s impressive track record includes winning the 2024 Wallace Brown Young Journalist of the Year and a Walkley Award for best news report in 2023, along with three Quill awards from the Melbourne Press Club. His contributions have made a significant impact in Canberra in a relatively short time, according to Luke McIlveen, executive editor at Nine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also congratulated Sakkal on this remarkable achievement, highlighting the importance of quality journalism in shaping political discourse.
The National Press Club presents this award to recognize exceptional work in journalism, combining insightful analysis and breaking news coverage that influences the political landscape and informs the public with unique insights.
As the political scene continues to evolve, Sakkal’s work will be crucial in cutting through the noise and providing clarity to Australia’s federal politics. Stay tuned for more updates on Sakkal’s future endeavors and the ongoing developments within the political arena.
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