Consider Nominating ABC journalist Russell Jackson for an Australian of the Year Award 2027

“Investigative journalists have made a major contribution to our understanding of the full extent of child abuse. it is argued that media coverage is vital if public concern for children is to remain on the political agenda, and if child protection services are to remain accountable. Further, in addition to their role in highlighting specific childhood concerns, journalists may also exert a powerful influence on social and political responses to all children and are thus in a prime position to advocate for children in society.”  Child abuse and the media. Australian Institute of Family Studies. June 2001.

“Joanne McCarthy and the Newcastle Morning Herald’s investigation of the Catholic Church’s response to the sexual abuse of children by clergy in the Hunter region of New South Wales was a decisive factor in Julia Gillard’s decision to appoint the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse. This is [a] story of how that journalism was done and how it galvanised other institutions, including police and politicians, to create a climate in which the clamour for a royal commission became irresistible.” Future of Public Interest Journalism Submission 14 How journalism got Australia the child-abuse royal commission. Denis Muller

Public interest journalism is original, accurate reporting that informs citizens, holds power to account, and protects the democratic process. When it uncovers corruption, maladministration, or threats to public safety, it often serves as the primary catalyst that triggers government inquiries (e.g., Royal Commissions, parliamentary committees, or independent integrity bodies).

Russell Jackson’s public interest journalism about historic child sexual abuse associated with the wider Beaumaris community, gave numerous victim/survivors and their families a voice. Triggering the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools.. Which resulted in the Victorian government acting on the following recommendations:

·       Recommendation 1: Issue a statewide public apology in Parliament.

·       Recommendation 2: Co-design a memorial for Beaumaris Primary School and consistent policy guidance and processes on memorials for other Victorian government schools.

·       Recommendation 3: Establish a statewide independent truth-telling and accountability process.

·       Recommendation 4: Introduce a restorative engagement program for adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in government schools outside of civil litigation and National Redress Scheme processes.

·       Recommendation 5: Improve information access through trauma-informed practices for responding to requests for information and improved records management.

·       Recommendation 6: Implement website and telephone line information and assistance for victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in government schools.

·       Recommendation 7: Pilot a coordination, navigation, and advocacy support function for adult victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in schools.

·       Recommendation 8: Implement a targeted program of work to improve service responses, including a formal peer support program, consistent service prioritisation, and promotion.

·       Recommendation 9: Legislative reform to ensure the enduring protection of personal information provided to boards of inquiry.

Russell Jackson continues to support survivors, deceased victims and their families and friends, by giving them a voice about historic child sexual abuse. Very powerfully and empathetically describing the human impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. And how institutions failed them, and how accountability and justice can be difficult to obtain.  Russell supporting people, not only as part of sharing their stories, but continuing to provide support afterwards.

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Nominations for The Australian of the Year Awards 2027

Nominating someone is quick and easy. Nominations close 31st July, and you can make nominations for more than one person.

Click here for the link to nominate. 

Categories are:

• Australian of the Year – Open to all Australians aged 16 and over who are role models in any field.
• Senior Australian of the Year – Celebrates those aged 65 and over who continue to make a significant impact.
• Young Australian of the Year – Recognises 16 to 30-year-olds driving change and inspiring others.
• Australia’s Local Hero – Highlights individuals making a difference at the local community level.