Archived Media Release

3 December 2009

Journalism Award Fosters Indonesian-Australian Relationship

Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, today announced this year’s recipients of the Elizabeth O'Neill Journalism Award - Ms Sondang Sirait, news producer and presenter for Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV) and Mr Kieran Gilbert, Chief Political Reporter with Sky News Australia.

The Award is in memory of Liz O’Neill, Public Affairs Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, who died tragically in service on 7 March 2007 as a result of a plane crash in Yogyakarta.

Ms Sirait is Anchor and Producer for SCTV’s flagship news programs Liputan 6 Siang and Liputan 6 Petang, among the highest rating television news programs in Indonesia. Ms Sirait has a keen interest in improving her understanding of Australia and Australia-Indonesia relations, particularly in the areas of climate change and trade and economic linkages.

A journalist with Sky News Australia, Mr Gilbert hosts AM Agenda, as well as regular radio spots around Australia on both commercial and ABC radio. Mr Gilbert will use the opportunity to explore the politics and traditions of modern Indonesia, its democratic development and public policy issues of concern to both Indonesia and Australia.

The Award recipients will spend up to three weeks in-country meeting government officials, academics, industry representatives, non-government organisations and community members, to build a stronger understanding and appreciation of the issues facing contemporary Indonesia and Australia.

Liz O’Neill worked tirelessly with the Australian and Indonesian media to foster a better understanding of both countries through accurate and informed media coverage.

The Elizabeth O'Neill Journalism Award is sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia-Indonesia Institute and is conferred annually on two journalists, one Australian and one Indonesian. It is open to print, radio, television and internet journalists.

The program aims to assist journalists develop expertise in such areas as foreign and trade policy, development assistance, culture, people-to-people links, and education.

Media Enquiries:
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175