National Security and Defence Correspondent

Apply now
Job no:
505022

Work type:
Ongoing Full Time

Location:
Canberra

Categories:
Journalism/Content Making, Presenter/Reporter

• Location: Canberra Parliament House Bureau
• Shape national conversations on defence and security
• Base salary: $113K - $123K

The Role
The ABC is seeking a National Security and Defence Correspondent to join our Canberra Parliament House Bureau. This is a high-impact role for an experienced journalist passionate about shaping public understanding of Australia's defence and security landscape.

You'll deliver agenda-setting reporting and expert analysis across all ABC platforms, focusing on major defence issues and national security challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Working closely with colleagues in Canberra and across the country, you'll help audiences make sense of complex issues through compelling storytelling and accessible journalism.

The Job

• Produce original, high-quality content on defence and national security for all ABC platforms.
• Deliver sophisticated yet accessible analysis of key issues impacting Australia.
• Build and maintain a strong network of expert contacts to break impactful stories.
• Collaborate with ABC News teams to identify and present nationally significant issues.
• Tailor content tone, format, and structure to reach diverse and digital-first audiences.
• Use analytics and audience insights to refine content strategy and engagement.
• Actively engage with communities to source relevant and inclusive stories.
• Uphold ABC editorial standards, values, and workplace safety policies.

Position Description: NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE
About You
You're a seasoned journalist with deep expertise in defence and national security, and a passion for public interest journalism.

You'll Have

• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Extensive multiplatform journalism experience.
• Proven ability to deliver regular news breaks in the defence and security space.
• Strong writing and analysis skills across formats (news, explainer, live, in-depth).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to mentoring others.
• A demonstrated interest in diverse storytelling, including Indigenous and multicultural perspectives.

What We Can Offer You

• 15.4% ABC Nominated Super
• Paid parental, carer's and supporting partner leave
• Salary packaging options
• ABC Mentoring and career development opportunities

About ABC News
Quality journalism, powerful investigations, outstanding production, and a collaborative, engaged and supportive workplace that offers opportunities and career development across regional and metropolitan Australia. Make a positive contribution to the national conversation, help set the agenda and build your skills by joining Australia's most trusted and diverse news organisation.

More Info
In line with our focus on diversity and inclusion, applications are strongly encouraged from Indigenous Australians, people from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The ABC also aims to achieve a gender-balanced For accessibility support or adjustments, contact

If you want to know more, please contact: David Lipson (Editor, Politics - Canberra Parliament House) at

We are unable to accept email applications — please submit your application via the online portal.
Visit for more information.

We respectfully request that Recruitment Agencies do not submit applications for this position.

Advertised:
16 Oct :30 AM AUS Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:
30 Oct :55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time