Suzanne Dredge earns ABC News Head, Indigenous News role

ABC News has announced the appointment of award-winning journalist Suzanne Dredge to the new role of Head, Indigenous News.

Dredge, a Wiradjuri woman, will build and lead a stand-alone Indigenous Reporting Team, with a remit to expand and amplify the coverage of Indigenous Affairs across the ABC’s news teams.

“It is a privilege to lead the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs coverage at such an important time for truth-telling in our country,” said Dredge.

“The media plays an important role commissioning and reporting stories that contribute to our views of the world, which is why First Nations people need to be part of the storytelling and decision-making at a senior level.”

“In the ABC’s 90-year history there has been no First Nations staff member on the News Executive team. Until now. I am proud to be part of the change.” 

Dredge began her media career at Koori Radio in Sydney, producing and presenting Blackchat.

She joined the ABC in 2011 as a News intern and a year later became a researcher with the National Reporting Team.

Her work has taken her to the Middle East, reporting on the end of ISIS and investigating the Australians who travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight with al Qaeda-linked groups. In 2019 she produced the Walkley Award-winning film ‘Orphans of ISIS’.

ABC Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan will be a key member of the new Indigenous Reporting Team.

“Suzanne is one of the most gifted journalists and editorial leaders I’ve ever worked with. She’s a fearless investigator and she cares deeply about uncovering systemic injustices here in Australia, and across the globe,” said Brennan.

“As a Wiradjuri woman she has an innate understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stories. This is a historic appointment and ABC Indigenous staff are so proud of her.”