The Investigative Mindset: Journalism, Truth and Public Interest
Description
Join the Walkley Foundation and the University of Queensland for a candid panel discussion on the craft, impact and career pathways of investigative journalism.
The Investigative Mindset: Journalism, Truth and Public Interest brings together Sarah Elks, Senior Reporter at The Australian; Edmund Tadros, award-winning journalist at The Australian Financial Review; and Ben Smee, Queensland Correspondent at Guardian Australia to discuss how major investigations are developed, what it takes to pursue difficult stories, and why public interest journalism continues to matter.
Together, they will explore how major investigations are developed, what makes a strong public interest story, and the skills, judgement and persistence required to pursue difficult reporting. Drawing on their own career journeys, the panellists will also reflect on how they got their start in journalism, the opportunities and challenges that shaped their paths, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Free for UQ students, prospective students and alumni, this event is designed for aspiring journalists, families, teachers, careers advisers, emerging reporters and anyone interested in how important stories are uncovered and brought to light.
Whether you are considering a future in journalism, exploring study options, or simply interested in how important stories are uncovered, this event will provide valuable insight into the skills, judgement and curiosity that sit at the heart of the profession.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, 22 July
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm AEST
Venue: The Terrace Room, Sir Llew Edwards Building (Bld. 14), Level 6, University of Queensland, St Lucia campus
Presented by: The Walkley Foundation and the University of Queensland
Enjoy light refreshments and canapes while connecting with journalists, academics, students and industry professionals. The networking session offers a valuable opportunity to build contacts, ask questions, gain career insights and learn more about pathways into journalism and media.
Lineup
Edmund Tadros
Edmund Tadros is the Professional Services Editor at The Australian Financial Review, where he leads coverage of Australia’s most powerful consulting, accounting and legal firms. A multi-award-winning journalist, Edmund is one of the country’s foremost reporters on professional services and corporate accountability. He is best known for his work exposing the PwC tax leaks scandal, which won the 2023 Gold Walkley, Australian journalism’s highest honour, alongside Neil Chenoweth.
Sarah Elks
Sarah Elks is a Senior Reporter for The Australian in its Brisbane bureau, focusing on investigations into politics, business and industry. Sarah has worked for the paper for 15 years, primarily in Brisbane, but also in Sydney, and in Cairns as north Queensland correspondent. She has covered election campaigns, high-profile murder trials, and natural disasters, and was named Queensland Journalist of the Year in 2016 for a series of exclusive stories exposing the failure of Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel business. Sarah has been nominated for four Walkley awards.
Ben Smee
Ben Smee is Guardian Australia’s Queensland Correspondent, where his public interest reporting focuses on politics, human rights and the justice system. Ben won a Walkley Award in 2014 for his coverage of Northern Territory politics, following senior newsroom roles including Chief Political Reporter and Head of News. In 2025, he was recognised with three honours at Queensland’s annual Clarion Awards, including joint Journalist of the Year.
FAQs
- Who is this event for?
This event is designed for aspiring journalists, prospective journalism students, UQ students and alumni, families, teachers, careers advisers, emerging reporters and anyone interested in investigative journalism and public interest reporting.
- Do I need to be a UQ student to attend?
No. The event is open to both UQ and non-UQ attendees. Free admission is available for current UQ students, prospective students, alumni and members of the UQ community. Non-UQ attendees can register through the paid admission ticket type.
- What counts as UQ affiliation for the free ticket?
UQ affiliation may include being a current UQ student, prospective student, alumnus or alumna, staff member, faculty or school member, or otherwise connected to the UQ community. You may be asked to briefly confirm your UQ connection during registration.
- Will UQ affiliation be checked?
Claims of UQ affiliation will be checked. Please select the correct ticket type, as tickets booked under incorrect information will be cancelled.
- What will the panel cover?
The discussion will explore how major investigations are developed, what makes a strong public interest story, and the skills, judgement and persistence required to pursue difficult reporting. The panellists will also reflect on their own career pathways and share practical insights into journalism and media careers.
- Who are the speakers?
The panel features Sarah Elks, Senior Reporter at The Australian; Edmund Tadros, award-winning journalist at The Australian Financial Review; and Ben Smee, Queensland Correspondent at Guardian Australia.
- Will there be networking?
Yes. Light refreshments and canapes will be served, with an opportunity to connect with journalists, academics, students and industry professionals.
- Is food provided?
Yes. Light refreshments and canapes will be served. We will do our best to accommodate a range of dietary requirements; please let us know your needs when registering.
- Where is the event being held?
The event will be held in The Terrace Room at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
- What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start. The event runs from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Please aim to arrive a little early to allow time for check-in.
- Do I need to register in advance?
Yes. Registration is essential, as places are limited.
- Can parents, teachers or careers advisers attend?
Yes. Parents, teachers and careers advisers are very welcome, particularly if they are supporting students considering journalism, communication or media study.
- Is this event suitable for high school students?
Yes. The event is suitable for senior high school students who are interested in journalism, media, communication or public interest reporting.
- Will the event be recorded or livestreamed?
At this stage, the event is designed as an in-person panel and networking opportunity. Any recording or livestream details will be shared if they become available.
- Who is presenting the event?
The event is presented by the Walkley Foundation and the University of Queensland. The proceedings will be hosted by Dr Lujain Shafeeq, Lecturer, School of Communication and Arts.
Video
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