Spencer Jolly announces retirement from Nine

Nine News Queensland’s State Political Editor, Spencer Jolly, has announced his retirement.

Jolly has been reporting Queensland politics for 27 years for Nine after joining in 1986. He has followed eight Premiers from Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen to Campbell Newman.

He will finish up in early July.

“It has been a great privilege and honour to have been entrusted by Channel Nine News to cover the state political scene for so long,” he said.

“I thank Kylie Blucher, Channel Nine Queensland Managing Director, and Mike Dalton, Director of Nine News Queensland, for their support and counsel as I came to this decision. I will miss very much all the talented people that make up the Channel Nine family.

“I have been fortunate to have had a ringside seat at what is often the greatest show in town.

“I thank the many MPs from all sides and public servants who along the way gave me often anonymous but very valuable insights and tip-offs. Political reporting is a two-way street.

“Going with me are great memories of many wonderful, colourful personalities, high dramas, and I should add some farces that have helped shape this great state. But now is the time for another set of eyes and ears to take over my role and enjoy the brickbats and bouquets that come with the job.

“I will keep following the political goings-on while trying to farm a bumper crop of rock oysters from some leases off North Stradbroke Island.”

Premier Newman said: “Politics will be the poorer without Spencer Jolly. This truly is an end of an era. He brought to his reporting a depth of knowledge, experience and gravitas without rival in the parliamentary press gallery.

“I wish Spencer and his family all the very best for a long and enjoyable retirement.”

Mike Dalton, Director of Nine News Queensland, said: “Spencer retires as the respected elder statesman of the Queensland parliament press gallery.

“He covered the tumult of Queensland politics without fear or favour and broke exclusive stories throughout his long and distinguished career with Nine News. He is trusted absolutely by politicians of all political persuasions to keep confidences and is regarded for his fair, straight-down-the-middle reporting.

“Spencer has earned a deserved enjoyable retirement and his colleagues wish him nothing but the best.”

Kylie Blucher, Managing Director of Channel Nine Queensland, added, “There is no better bloke and there’s never been a better State Political reporter for Queensland.

“On behalf of the entire Nine Network, I thank Spencer for his commitment, passion, and the loyal service he has given our network. He is a much loved member of the Nine family and there is no question this will continue well into retirement.”

Jolly’s replacement is yet to be announced.