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With a content portfolio like no other media organisation in the country, SBS occupies multiple channels and platforms, and provides a unique opportunity for employees to help make Australia a better place to live.

Digital Political Journalist - Canberra

At SBS, we embrace difference, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

We also acknowledge the unique contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our society and our workplace through their enduring and continued connection to land, sea, sky and community.

This role is classified as a Level 3 role under SBS Australia's current Enterprise Agreement with a base salary of up to $94,000. The successful applicant will be offered remuneration that is commensurate with their skills and experience and in alignment with this framework.

This role is a permanent, full-time position based in Canberra.

This role is primarily structured around a Monday to Friday roster; however, it may include irregular hours, weekends and public holidays depending on operational requirements. Shift patterns may change over time, and SBS may require you to work reasonable overtime, which will be paid in accordance with the SBS Enterprise Agreement.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and driven Digital Journalist to join SBS News in Canberra, reporting from Parliament House.

We’re looking for someone with a strong interest in politics who shares our vision and is committed to delivering distinctive journalism that reflects modern Australia.

This is a digital-first role focused on producing timely, accurate and engaging political content, while also contributing to broader SBS News coverage across platforms where required.

This role will contribute news, feature and explainer articles to SBS News as well as working in collaboration with our digital video team, providing coverage on SBS News site and app, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

This role will see you:

  • Producing breaking news, analysis, features and explainers on Australian politics for SBS News’ digital platforms
  • Reporting from Parliament House, delivering timely and insightful coverage of national political developments
  • Generating and progressing original story ideas across a broad range of political topics, including national politics, foreign policy, immigration and defence
  • Applying sound editorial judgement to complex or sensitive issues to ensure accuracy, balance and clarity
  • Filing engaging multi-format content, including articles, live blog contributions and visual or data-led storytelling
  • Contributing to editorial discussions and forward planning, identifying upcoming stories and opportunities
  • Collaborating with colleagues across SBS News (Digital, TV, Audio, Social and NITV) to maximise coverage and storytelling
  • Building and maintaining a strong network of political contacts to support reporting

About you

You are a confident and capable journalist with strong political awareness and editorial judgement, who thrives in a fast-paced newsroom and is passionate about delivering distinctive journalism.

Ideally, you will:

  • Have proven experience delivering digital journalism in a fast-paced newsroom environment
  • Have strong knowledge of the Australian political landscape
  • Be able to deliver complex or sensitive reporting with accuracy and clarity
  • Have excellent writing skills and the ability to produce content for digital audiences
  • Be confident generating original story ideas and pursuing them with initiative
  • Have an understanding of media law, editorial standards and the SBS Charter

You should also bring:

  • A strong understanding of digital publishing, including SEO, headline writing and audience engagement
  • Experience using analytics tools (e.g. Chartbeat, Adobe) to inform editorial decisions
  • The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced news environment
  • A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
  • Flexibility to work outside standard hours, including occasional weekends and travel as required
  • An existing network of political contacts, and the ability to build and develop it to support reporting and sourcing

As part of our recruitment process, SBS may conduct reference checks and review information that is publicly available online, including social media profiles, in line with privacy and anti-discrimination laws. If we collect information from any other sources, candidates will be notified in line with privacy laws.  

We value authenticity and expect all applications and submissions to reflect your own voice, ideas, opinions and critical thinking. While we recognise that AI tools may be used to support drafting CVs or cover letters, the final content must remain your own. Throughout the recruitment process, including interviews and assessment tasks, we ask that you do not use AI tools unless we explicitly advise otherwise. 

Some of the reasons to consider working with us:

  • The people! We truly celebrate and welcome difference at SBS and encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work & you’ll be part of one of the most inclusive companies in Australia! 
  • The culture and the engagement of our workforce! 90% of our employees have stated that they are proud to work for SBS!  
  • We offer a range of benefits from, health care checks, salary packaging, Employee Assistance Programme, flexible work arrangements and discounted gym membership nationally with Fitness Pass. 
  • We’re agile and innovative in the way we work, as well as being a trusted and established brand. At SBS we have been broadcasting for over 50 years and our future is packed with many more exciting developments!
  • We also love to promote from within! Our divisions support development opportunities to help team members grow and move into new roles. 

Want to learn more? Then hit apply and take the first step to applying not just for another job but a possible whole new career in a purpose led organisation.

For other opportunities within our organisation please visit our careers website SBS Careers - Working at SBS

About Us

SBS is one of the world's most unique and innovative media organisations, producing trusted, meaningful, and engaging content that exists for all Australians to inspire, support and celebrate the diversity of our multicultural society.

Our purpose, for over 50 years, has reflected and explored the evolving diversity of Australia, investing in initiatives to deepen connections with communities, sharing their stories and giving a voice to those often unheard, with the aim of increasing understanding and respect of the differences that make up Australia.

SBS is a truly distinctive network, showcasing multicultural, multilingual and First Nations stories otherwise untold in the Australian media.

Reasonable adjustments

SBS recognises that everyone is unique, and you might require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and put your skills forward for consideration. If we can make some adjustments to the SBS recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, then please contact careers@sbs.com.au and let us know.

Adjustments include but are not limited to; alternative application methods, interview setups, physical requirements, guidance for trans or gender diverse applicants, specific interview availability times and more.

To find out more about reasonable adjustments with SBS, please view our video here.

We are shortlisting applications as they come in, so don’t delay, apply today!

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