2 hours ago
1
For all the awards, accolades and nice things said about her over a four-decade career, Kate McClymont tends to eschew the recognition she thoroughly deserves.
One of Australia’s most celebrated reporters, McClymont is as grounded as they come. She can wander effortlessly through Sydney’s high-end cultural and academic scenes, but is at her happiest sitting in a grungy courtroom taking notes, or at her desk ferreting through a pile of corporate records. She does it all with grace and class, just the right amount of black humour and unending generosity to even the most junior of her colleagues.
As the likes of Eddie Obeid, Charlie Teo, Don Burke and Ron Medich have discovered, The Sydney Morning Herald’s chief investigative reporter is also tenacious, forensic, meticulous and fearless. Her work has held the powerful to account and uncovered corruption, fraud and criminal enterprise across politics, business, sport and society.
A winner of 10 Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism, including the outstanding contribution to journalism prize in 2023, McClymont has also been recognised by an appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and induction to the Australian Media Hall of Fame.
We can now add “doctor” to the list of achievements after the University of Sydney on Monday awarded McClymont an honorary doctorate, honouring her accomplishments as an investigative journalist and deep ties to the university community.
Professor Catharine Lumby, who read the citation, said McClymont was often dubbed “the queen of Australian investigative journalism”. Lumby said recognising the Herald reporter’s work underscored the role investigative journalism played in democratic societies.
McClymont is no stranger to the University of Sydney. She spent 10 years on its governing senate, including four years as pro-chancellor, and graduated in 1981 with a BA (Hons) in English literature. Mark Scott, the university’s vice-chancellor, also happens to be a former editor-in-chief of the Herald, as is his chief of staff Darren Goodsir.
“Kate is one of Australia’s most fearless and respected journalists,” Scott said. “She’s built a career on asking tough questions and refusing to look away.
“It’s hard to think of another journalist whose reporting has had such sustained impact. She has an extraordinary instinct for the public interest and a willingness to follow stories wherever they lead. That work hasn’t always been easy, but it has always mattered.”
The Herald’s editor, Jordan Baker, said McClymont had “done the people of this state and country a great service over more than 40 years in journalism”.
“At the Herald, Kate is loved not only for her fearless journalism, but for her wicked sense of humour, her love of a good yarn, and her collegiality; she is unfailingly generous with her wisdom and time, and has nurtured the development of many young reporters.”
McClymont told media graduates at Monday’s event that she hoped their careers would hold as much “colour and purpose” as her own.
“Journalism is above all a privilege,” she said. “We have the ability to hold people to account. But if you want to hold powerful people to account, you have to be in it for the long haul and you have to be prepared to pay a price.
“There are two institutions to which I’m immensely grateful. The Sydney Morning Herald, now in its 195th year, has had my back over the most difficult times. And the University of Sydney, which taught me intellectual rigour and gave me lifelong friendships for which I will always be grateful.”
Other Australian journalists awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sydney include the Herald’s economics editor Ross Gittins, political reporters Michelle Grattan and Laurie Oakes, 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson, and broadcasters Geraldine Doogue, Caroline Jones and Ray Martin.
Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.
