Winner: Christine Ahern, 9News Melbourne, “The Yarra Valley Grammar ‘unrapeable’ scandal’’ 

Judges’ citation:

What started as a weekend tip-off, culminated in a comprehensive and sensitively told exclusive story that reverberated deep into the following week, and prompted responses from the state and federal governments.

Chris’s scoop about the misogynistic behaviour of private school boys ranking their female classmates was followed by all other outlets and added an important element to the wider conversation about violence against women.

Her reporting of this story is a master class in working contacts and getting talent over the line quickly, and was enhanced by an authoritative and polished live cross into that night’s bulletin.

Highly Commended:

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

Cassie Zervos and Hope Wilson, 7NEWS, “Easey Street extradition”

Shortlisted:

Paul Dowsley, 7NEWS, “Beaufort Rim Driver”