John Silvester of The Age has won the Scoop of the Year Quill for his coverage of the Easey Street murders.

Judges’ citation:

John Silvester’s scoop was 47 years in the making. He was first to detail a major breakthrough in one of Melbourne’s most baffling unsolved crimes, the Easey Street murders. Several years before he broke the story, John learned police had a suspect. He respected detectives’ request not to publish until there was no risk of jeopardising the investigation. John called police every six months only to be told, “Not yet”. This scoop took determination, discretion, and patience. When the day came, police called John, proving good things come to those who wait. He broke the story hours before the Chief Commissioner officially confirmed it. John’s story identified the suspect, highlighted exclusive details about the investigation, and featured interviews with key players.

Highly Commended:

Gillian Lantouris, 9News, “Mick Murphy. Exclusive interview with Samantha Murphy’s widower”

Shortlisted:

Clay Lucas, The Age, “Death puts spotlight on cannabis retail boom”

Laura Turner, 9News Melbourne, “Ken Lay Report”