Winner:Waleed Aly, The Age

Judges’ citation:

Waleed’s easy and highly readable writing style encourages people to read his pieces to the end, gaining the full impact of his persuasive logic. He presents a different view of events under topical discussion, taking a close up look at the impact of those events while from a distance analysing the political or social circumstances in play. He works hard to eliminate potentially alienating bias by acknowledging opposing points of view and makes his arguments clearly, references supporting facts, then draws an alarmingly simple conclusion in a complex situation. He takes one aspect of an issue and submits it to scrutiny, demonstrating deep thought and masterful writing.

His primary piece “The cold calculation behind our aid in Gaza” brings events in Gaza to our door, examining Australia’s own role in the politics that limit aid to Gaza. In “Holding all men responsible for a violent minority has failed to keep women safe” he examines popular thought that calls all men to counter violence against women. He urges us to see the issue differently and examine the cause, rather than effect.

Highly Commended:

John Lyons, ABC News, “Children are bearing the brunt in Gaza: how can this go on?”

John Silvester, The Age, “Inside the Justice System”

Shortlisted:

Shannon Deery, Herald Sun, “Labor has lost its heart”