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How to Become an Investigative Journalist: Australian Careers in Journalism

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What is a Investigative Journalist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Investigative Journalist?

An investigative journalist digs deep into complex issues to expose the truth. They uncover corruption, crime, and injustice, then share their findings with the public. Their work keeps governments, corporations, and public figures accountable.

This role mixes research, interviews, and analysis. A journalist reviews documents, files FOI requests, and talks to sources on and off the record. They may spend weeks or months on a single story before it is ready to publish.

In Australia, investigative journalists work for newspapers, TV networks, online outlets, and non-profit newsrooms. Some work freelance. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) is the professional body and union for Australian journalists.

The work needs strong ethics and resilience. Journalists face legal risks, protect their sources, and push back on pressure from the powerful. Browse journalism and communications courses on CourseFinder to find a study path that suits you.

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Career snapshots For Investigative Journalists

Around 23,000 journalists and writers work in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). The median age is 40 years. Women make up 65% of the workforce. Most roles are full-time, with part-time work making up 18% of positions.

Median weekly earnings are $1,722, or about $89,500 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). Pay rises with experience and the size of the employer. Senior journalists at major national outlets earn well above the median.

Annual employment is in slight decline, at around -300 jobs per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). This reflects ongoing change in traditional media. However, non-profit and independent newsrooms continue to grow and hire investigative journalists.

What will I do?

Investigative journalists gather facts and report on issues that serve the public. Each story takes months of research, source work, and careful writing. The role is varied and demanding.

  • Researching topics: digging into public records, databases, and leaked documents to find key facts.
  • Filing FOI requests: using Freedom of Information laws to access government documents.
  • Conducting interviews: speaking with sources, witnesses, and experts on and off the record.
  • Analysing data: working with spreadsheets, financial records, and public datasets.
  • Writing reports: crafting clear, well-sourced articles and long-form investigations.
  • Fact-checking: verifying every claim before publication to protect accuracy and credibility.
  • Working with editors: refining stories with senior editors and legal teams.
  • Attending court hearings: covering legal proceedings relevant to ongoing investigations.
  • Protecting sources: keeping whistleblowers and sensitive contacts confidential.
  • Tracking developments: following ongoing stories and filing timely updates.

What skills do I need?

Investigative journalists need sharp research and clear thinking skills. They must sort through large amounts of information to find facts that matter. Strong writing is just as key. Journalists must explain complex findings in plain, engaging language.

Other key skills include interviewing, ethical judgment, and resilience. Investigations can face legal risks and pushback from powerful subjects. Knowledge of media law and the MEAA Code of Ethics helps journalists manage these risks. Data analysis and open-source research skills are increasingly valued in the field.

Skills/attributes

  • Research and investigation skills
  • Clear and concise writing
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Interviewing and source management
  • Knowledge of FOI laws and processes
  • Data journalism and spreadsheet skills
  • Media law and ethical judgment
  • Attention to detail and fact-checking
  • Resilience and persistence under pressure
  • Digital and open-source research skills
  • Storytelling and narrative construction
  • Time management and meeting deadlines
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Source confidentiality and protection

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

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