Canberra Bureau Chief

The Australian Financial Review; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Financial Review in Canberra seeks an experienced Canberra Bureau Chief to lead our federal political team, break news, interrogate policy, and deliver agenda-setting stories for a business audience.

Based in the press gallery, you will coach reporters, ensure accuracy under tight deadlines, and cultivate a broad network of government, business, and political contacts while exploring multimedia opportunities.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a political reporter or editor with strong writing/editing skills.
• Deep understanding of Australian federal politics and business issues.
• Exceptional editorial judgement to identify major angles and agenda-setting stories.
• Organisational and time-management skills under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a team-first mindset.
• High ethical standards and experience using digital formats and visuals to enhance coverage.
• Experience guiding or managing reporters and an established network of contacts.

Responsibilities

• Plan, commission, and drive high-impact federal political coverage to meet deadlines.
• Lead and support a team of political reporters with high standards of reporting.
• Edit and publish breaking news with accuracy, balance, and style adherence.
• Brief the daily news conference on developments and collaborate with editors.
• Cultivate and expand a broad network of contacts across government, business, and politics.
• Write articles, features or analysis to bolster federal political coverage and participate in multimedia opportunities.

Skills

Political reporting

Editing

News writing

Editorial judgement

Time management

Team leadership

Networking

Ethical standards

Digital media experience

Job description

Nine is Australia’s largest locally owned media company. We are home to premium, trusted news, sport and entertainment. Nine's assets span free-to-air television, free and paid streaming, publishing and digital audio, and digital outdoor and retail media. Our content reaches almost every Australian - meaning what we do has real impact. We bring people together, celebrate the big moments, and capture the everyday ones. As our iconic and emerging brands continue to evolve, we offer unique opportunities for you to bring fresh ideas, innovate, and make your mark on the future of Australian media.

Since 1951, The Australian Financial Review has been the nation's premier business, finance, and political publication. As the essential daily read for executive decision-makers and investors, our newsroom is renowned for news-breaking, agenda-setting journalism. Joining our team gives you the platform to chart national prosperity, collaborate with elite journalists, and drive business media forward.

Job Description

The Canberra Bureau Chief will lead our federal political team to break news, interrogate policy, and examine the people and power driving Australian politics. Based in The Australian Financial Review’s press gallery bureau, this role will drive the delivery of compelling, agenda-setting stories for a business-focused audience.

Day To Day You Will

• Plan, commission, and drive high-impact federal political coverage to to meet strict digital edition deadlines.
• Lead and support a team of political reporters, holding the team to high standards of proactive reporting.
• Edit and publish breaking news swiftly, ensuring accuracy, balance, and adherence to style standards.
• Brief the daily news conference on emerging political developments and collaborate with other newsroom editors.
• Cultivate and expand a broad network of authoritative contacts across government, business, and political spheres.
• Where required, write articles, features or analysis to bolster federal political coverage and/or represent the masthead through multimedia opportunities, including podcasts.

What You'll Bring

• Prior experience as a political reporter or editor combined with very strong writing/editing skills.
• Deep understanding of Australian federal politics, key figures, and the policy issues affecting the business community.
• Exceptional editorial judgement with a proven ability to identify major angles and pursue agenda-setting stories.
• Organisational and time-management skills to consistently deliver under tight deadline pressures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, team-first mindset in a newsroom environment.
• High ethical standards, a passion for news, and experience using digital formats and visual elements to enhance coverage.
• Experience guiding or managing reporters, coupled with an established network of contacts, is highly desirable.

Additional Information

How we work

At Nine, our flexible work options vary by role and team. Depending on the position, this may include flexible hours, hybrid work, or part-time arrangements. We welcome discussing your flexibility needs during the hiring process - just ask the Talent Acquisition team.

Our Employee Benefits Include

• Nine offers a variety of benefits and perks to support you. Learn more about our full benefits offering here: https://ninecareers.com.au/benefits-and-how-we-work/

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We're committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive Nine. From day one, you'll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and will be supported to perform at your best.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, and of all ages, genders, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures as we recognise the importance and value of diverse perspectives.

Should you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please advise us when you apply.

Work rights: Please note to apply for this role you must already have the right to lawfully work and live in Australia.