Five entries have been selected by the judges as finalists in the 2024 investigative reporting awards hosted by Democracy’s Watchdogs.
Three of the finalists are students from the University of Melbourne. One of last year’s finalists, Rose Innes from Queensland University of Technology, again is in the mix. And a student at New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology also made the cut.
The judges considered that the overall quality of the entries was high and were delighted by the variety of issues the students chose to investigate. They thank all the students who entered and encourage others to do so next year.
The winning entry stood out for its originality, research and the initiative shown by the student. The winner, to be announced on December 17, will receive $1000 plus an engraved trophy. Those highly commended will receive certificates. Finalists and the judges’ comments are listed below.
Filment Ho, University of Melbourne
Many investigative stories require determination and persistence to reveal a hidden story. This entry showed what reporters can accomplish by hard slog. Filment investigated concerns by international students that they were being disproportionately challenged by ticket inspectors when using public transport in Melbourne. The judges thought Filment’s work showed use of the tools needed by investigative journalists, including convincing students to detail their concerns and a survey to document how widespread those concerns were. A solid investigation into an issue rarely explored.
Rose Innes, Queensland University of Technology
Rose’s investigation into children refusing to go to school in Queensland broke new ground. She found that home schooling had reached record highs because many parents were concerned that their children were bullied at school. Her report included moving accounts of a boy whose mother said he had been assaulted multiple times in prep and another parent who said her child’s final year at school had been the ‘year from hell’. Rose’s interviews put the school bullying issue into sharp and concerning focus. (Unavailable without subscription to The Courier Mail)
James Worsfold, University of Melbourne
This was a polished investigation. James looked at the fees charged by real estate agents when tenancy agreements are broken. His investigation found a grey area in what could legally be charged by real estate agents and detailed the wide range in fees. A solid entry that uncovered new detail and may encourage tenants to challenge fees in future. Well done James. https://www.thecitizen.org.au/articles/fleeced-tenants-gouged-on-lease-transfers-amid-housing-crisis
Ryan Bos, Auckland University of Technology
Do tough-on-crime policies work? It is an issue that has been debated extensively in Australia and New Zealand in recent years. This investigation of that familiar ground was thoughtful, well-written and used multi-media to great effect. It encouraged the viewer to consider the topic more closely with a detailed examination of whether such policies changed crime rates. A compelling presentation of the facts behind often-heard political slogans. https://fdp3269.wixsite.com/tough-on-crime
Brendan Kearns, University of Melbourne
This investigation broke significant new ground on how the manufacturers of energy drinks such as Red Bull are using university students to promote energy drinks in the key student demographic. There was much to admire about the detail Brendan managed to gather. Sponsorship of campus events, sports teams and students taking jobs as marketeers to promote the drinks to students on campus. The investigation showed the extent of the marketing push at universities – huge and concerning to health experts – but ignored by universities. Brendan’s work was insightful and in the public interest. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/health/energy-drink-companies-are-advertising-on-university-campuses-to-access-key-student-market/news-story/6fdf9916dac26dfcfe7bc99a5d79ac4a
