Jerome Laxale (Bennelong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate Lane Cove journalist Jack Kelly on his nomination for a Walkley Foundation Mid-Year Media Prize in public service journalism. Jack reports for In the Cove, a local news outlet that so many in our community turn to for trusted grassroots reporting. In the Cove also run the local chat group, the source of brilliant posts about all sorts of things, including 'breadgate', the mysterious bread saga of River Road. I digress though; back to Jack and his nominated story, 'Cabling Cowboys'. This uncovered serious risks posed by cabling operators in the Lane Cove community. It was thorough, fearless reporting that shone a light on a problem few knew about but many were affected by.

Jack's work didn't just inform the public; it actually helped deliver change. After personally reading his coverage, I was able to raise it directly with the then Minister for Communications. That led to direct engagement with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, who opened an investigation into provider delays and poor customer service. Importantly, because of that extra attention, many of the issues uncovered by Jack and In the Cove's journalism was fixed.

The Walkleys are a gold standard of Australian journalism. For a young reporter like Jack to be recognised at this level is an extraordinary achievement, and it just shows how important local media like In the Cove is to our democracy. On behalf of Bennelong, thanks to Jack and thanks to In the Cove. (Time expired)

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