Political reporter

Guardian Australia is part of Guardian News & Media (GNM), publisher of theguardian.com. As a leading global media organisation, we are renowned for our pioneering independent journalism and our award-winning digital products.

We are seeking a political reporter to join the Canberra team to produce timely, accurate and insightful coverage of federal political developments, breaking original, agenda setting-stories, writing political features and analysis. 

This is a full-time fixed-term (6 month) parental leave cover role, working across a seven-day roster 

with early starts and/or late finishes. The successful candidate will be expected to commence in late July or early August. Candidates must be based in Canberra or willing to relocate.

In this role you will…

• Write political news, blog posts, features, analysis and backgrounders to tight, rolling deadlines 
• Generate ideas, break original stories and undertake investigations
• Build contacts across the political spectrum and outside party structures
• Play a role in multimedia coverage, including audio and video content 
• As a member of the politics team, share responsibility for regular weekend and out-of-hours working
• Monitor social media for breaking news and potential story leads 

You’ll bring….

Knowledge and experience

• Excellent knowledge of and interest in Australian politics and current affairs
• Excellent knowledge of parliamentary process and party processes
• Excellent political contacts
• Experience in political reporting in the federal parliamentary press gallery or at a state level 
• Strong news sense with an ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge, understanding and passion for Guardian editorial vision and values 
• Understanding of the unique time pressures involved in working in digital news, including in a parliamentary setting
• Good understanding of media law

Skills / behaviours

• A passion for independent journalism and an understanding of our editorial code and values
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to deal with the stresses associated with tight deadlines
• Able to generate fresh ideas and angles
• Ability to produce high-quality stories, lively copy under pressure
• Ability to acquire new skills swiftly
• Creative and collaborative team player
• Open to feedback and correction 

About working at Guardian Australia… 

• Hybrid working 
• Employee assistance program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing
• Paid volunteer leave
• Dedicated diversity and inclusion employee groups, action plans (including our Reconciliation Action Plan) and cultural competency training
• Guardian digital subscription

For more information please view the full job description here.

This is a full-time fixed-term (6 month) parental leave cover role, working across a seven-day roster 

with early starts and/or late finishes. The successful candidate will be expected to commence in late July or early August. Candidates must be based in Canberra or willing to relocate.

To apply for this position, please apply online and upload your résumé (maximum three pages) plus covering letter. In your covering letter please outline your motivation for applying for the role and why you think you are suitable.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 27 May 2026

If you have application questions or if you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email australia.hr@theguardian.com

We believe that our role in the Australian media is to give a voice to the most marginalised people in society and value and respect all differences in all people — including people of colour, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from different social classes, people with diverse gender and sexual identities, and people with disabilities (seen and unseen). We believe that these communities must be centred in the work we do, bringing a new perspective and a diversity of thought. We also encourage flexible working and aim to create a work environment where all employees feel respected.