Thomas Chamberlin, crime and investigations editor, received one of the top honors at this year’s Clarion Awards, held to recognize outstanding journalism in Queensland. Chamberlin was awarded the Investigative Journalism prize for his Sunday Mail series, Doctor Mahlo, which revisited the 2008 death of a Sunshine Coast doctor initially ruled a suicide. His investigation uncovered significant shortcomings in the original inquiry, leading to a coroner’s decision to re-examine the case.
The Clarion Awards, established in 1995, celebrate excellence across various aspects of journalism within the state. This year’s ceremony was notably dominated by reporters from The Courier-Mail, The Sunday Mail, and their associated regional publications.
Mikaela Mulveney, a state political reporter, earned the New Journalist of the Year award. Her investigative work included a notable report on the Department of Child Safety, revealing dire conditions faced by vulnerable children, some of whom were reportedly forced to sleep on floors within government buildings due to a lack of appropriate care accommodation.
In the Print News Report category, The Courier-Mail’s Stella McKenna shared the award with Sarah Elks from The Australian for their coverage uncovering an alleged undisclosed affair between Queensland politicians Tim Mander and Amanda Camm.
The award for Best Headline went to sub-editor Baz McAlister for his clever phrasing, “Et tu little, et tu late,” inspired by an incident in which students were tested on an incorrect Roman emperor.
Photography honors were awarded to Brian Cassey of The Sunday Mail for Best Photographic Essay, featuring poignant images of Tobias Phineasa, a meningococcal disease survivor. In the regional category, Ann Wason Moore from the Gold Coast Bulletin was recognised for Best News Report through her series Giaan’s Final Wish, highlighting systemic failures in Queensland’s youth mental health services.
Additionally, Carlie Walker of the Fraser Coast Chronicle received Best Feature Article or Opinion Piece in the regional section for her in-depth coverage of the case involving William Spiteri, who died after being neglected following a sudden leukemia diagnosis at Gladstone Hospital.
The awards underscored the ongoing commitment of Queensland journalists to hold institutions accountable and bring critical social issues to public attention.