Winner: Adele Ferguson, Chris Gillett, Ben Butler and Lara Sonnenschein, ABC Four Corners and 7.30, “Betrayal of Trust”

Judges’ Citation:

"This story isn't easy to watch, but it's too important to turn away." This opening caution sums up an outstanding entry that was clearly the most impactful, disturbing and important investigation of 2025. Over two episodes of ABC’s 7:30 and one of Four Corners, Adele Ferguson and Chris Gillett revealed shocking cases of abuse in childcare. Their reporting of confronting material was unfailingly sensitive and meticulous and they never lost sight of the need to reform failing systems. This is unflinching work and truly great investigative journalism.

Highly Commended

Michael Bachelard, Max Maddison, Kieran Rooney and Sumeyya Ilanbey, The Age, “Exclusive Brethren election interference”

Aisha Dow, Nigel Gladstone, Lucy Macken and The Age Visual Stories Team, The Age, “Bidding Blind”

Shortlisted

Robyn Riley, Herald Sun, “Mum gives birth to the wrong baby”