Laura Tingle joins 7:30

Laura Tingle, currently political editor of The Australian Financial Review, is leaving print to join 7:30 as Chief Political Correspondent.

Tingle, who has spent most of her 35-year career in journalism reporting on politics, will also write a weekly column for the ABC website.

“Laura is one of the great political journalists of her generation,” said ABC Director, News Gaven Morris. “More than ever, audiences want political analysis that clearly explains what is unfolding in the political arena, provides analysis of the why, and puts it all into context – and no one does that better than Laura Tingle.

“Laura joins Australia’s strongest political journalism team, alongside Andrew Probyn, Sabra Lane, Antony Green, Annabel Crabb and the best Canberra bureau.”

Tingle said: “After 35 years as a print reporter, I am looking forward to exploring the very different opportunities that television provides to report on, and shine a light on, the workings of Australian politics and policy.”

ABC Head, Investigative and In-Depth Journalism John Lyons said: “Boosting 7.30’s editorial firepower is one of ABC NEWS’s priorities this year and Laura is a crucial part of that. Laura brings a depth, sharpness and perspective which helps viewers make sense of these extraordinary times we are living in.”

7:30 Executive Producer Justin Stevens said: “Laura will continue 7.30’s long tradition of covering federal politics and national affairs with original analysis. This year we want to confirm 7.30 as the unmissable daily destination for current affairs. Laura joins Leigh Sales and our award-winning team for the best nightly analysis and news breaking.”

In September Andrew Probyn became ABC News Political Editor following Chris Uhlmann’s exit to Nine with David Lipson providing commentary. Lipson is now Indonesia Correspondent for ABC.