Australia’s Best Health Journalism Recognised (Joint Media Release)

Medicines Australia chairman Will Delaat today presented Paul Smith of Australian Doctor with the Medicines Australia 2008 Health Journalist of the Year Award.

Mr Smith was named as one of the four category winners for his story Inside Out in The Australian Doctor magazine. His prize as overall winner is a study tour to the United States with a focus on the health industry.

Mr Delaat presented the award immediately prior to the National Australia Bank Address by Minister for Health & Ageing the Hon Nicola Roxon MP.

“This is a richly deserved award,” Mr Delaat said.

“Paul is a very worthy winner in a field which was of a particularly high standard this year.”

“For most Australians there is no more important issue than their health. Health journalists have a significant role in raising awareness of health-related issues. These awards recognise the importance of that role.”

The annual Excellence in Health Journalism Awards is hosted by the National Press Club of Australia. National Press Club President Ken Randall said “Australian Journalists and publishers have risen to the occasion with the submission of entries that importantly wereof high quality”.

Mr Randall also thanked the awards corporate supporters – Medicines Australia as Awards Principal sponsor, Medibank Private, CSIRO, Australian General Practice Network, Pfizer and Pharmacy Guild of Australia as supporting sponsors.

The full list of winners is:

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health, Health Sciences or Innovation

Will Storr – Fairfax Good Weekend, TB or not TB

BEST DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Health, Health Science or Innovation

Emma Cook – SBS TV, A hollow vision

BEST FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health Policy, Health Economics and Health Business

Maryanne Demasi – ABC Catalyst, Magic bullet or clever con?

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

For reporting on Health, Health Science or Innovation directed to medical professionals

Paul Smith – Australian Doctor, Inside Out.

HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the most outstanding entry among the winners of the previous four categories

Paul Smith – Australian Doctor

Media Enquiries:

Maurice Reilly
Chief Executive
Ph: +61 2 61212152 (direct)
Mob: +61 0415 738 473
Email: ceo@npc.org.au