The Investigative Mindset: Journalism, Truth and Public Interest
About the event
Join the Walkley Foundation and the University of Queensland for a candid panel discussion on the craft, impact and career pathways of investigative journalism.
The Investigative Mindset: Journalism, Truth and Public Interest brings together Sarah Elks, Queensland Editor at The Australian; Edmund Tadros, award-winning journalist at The Australian Financial Review; and Ben Smee, Queensland Correspondent at Guardian Australia to discuss how major investigations are developed, what it takes to pursue difficult stories, and why public interest journalism continues to matter.
Together, they will explore how major investigations are developed, what makes a strong public interest story, and the skills, judgement and persistence required to pursue difficult reporting. Drawing on their own career journeys, the panellists will also reflect on how they got their start in journalism, the opportunities and challenges that shaped their paths, and the lessons they learned along the way.
Free for UQ students, prospective students and alumni, this event is designed for aspiring journalists, families, teachers, careers advisers, emerging reporters and anyone interested in how important stories are uncovered and brought to light.
Whether you are considering a future in journalism, exploring study options, or simply interested in how important stories are uncovered, this event will provide valuable insight into the skills, judgement and curiosity that sit at the heart of the profession.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 22 July
Time: 5:30–7:30pm AEST
Venue: The Terrace Room, Sir Llew Edwards Building (Bld. 14), Level 6, University of Queensland, St Lucia campus
Presented by: The Walkley Foundation and The University of Queensland
Enjoy light refreshments and canapes while connecting with journalists, academics, students and industry professionals. The networking session offers a valuable opportunity to build contacts, ask questions, gain career insights and learn more about pathways into journalism and media.
Registrations are essential.
Lineup
Edmund Tadros
Edmund Tadros is the Professional Services Editor at The Australian Financial Review, where he leads coverage of Australia’s most powerful consulting, accounting and legal firms. A multi-award-winning journalist, Edmund is one of the country’s foremost reporters on professional services and corporate accountability. He is best known for his work exposing the PwC tax leaks scandal, which won the 2023 Gold Walkley, Australian journalism’s highest honour, alongside Neil Chenoweth.
Sarah Elks
Sarah Elks is a senior reporter for The Australian in its Brisbane bureau, focusing on investigations into politics, business and industry. Sarah has worked for the paper for 15 years, primarily in Brisbane, but also in Sydney, and in Cairns as north Queensland correspondent. She has covered election campaigns, high-profile murder trials, and natural disasters, and was named Queensland Journalist of the Year in 2016 for a series of exclusive stories exposing the failure of Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel business. Sarah has been nominated for four Walkley awards.
Ben Smee
Ben Smee is Guardian Australia’s Queensland Correspondent, where his public interest reporting focuses on politics, human rights and the justice system. Ben won a Walkley Award in 2014 for his coverage of Northern Territory politics, following senior newsroom roles including Chief Political Reporter and Head of News. In 2025, he was recognised with three honours at Queensland’s annual Clarion Awards, including joint Journalist of the Year.