Location: The role is based in Canberra, Australia.

“Playbook” is POLITICO’s signature franchise. We are seeking a co-author to help build Canberra’s most influential political newsletter from scratch every morning.

This role is different than a traditional reporting job. While you may file stories for POLITCO’s website and app, this role focuses on owning and driving the conversation so that we become required reading across Parliament House, embassies and boardrooms.

You will work with POLITCO’s Australia Launch Editor, Ryan Heath, to decide what matters each day, explain why, and deliver it in a voice that insiders trust and enjoy, across a range of formats. You'll bring your own sources, voice, and reads on what matters.

You will need to be comfortable in a variety of settings, often be away from your desk, and sometimes on-camera, stage and in-studio to amplify your reporting.

You will be part of a global network of more than 550 reporters and your efforts will help define POLITCO’s presence in Australia.

Who You Are
A sharp political journalist who is ambitious to achieve more
Someone competitive — you know that news exists outside of a neat 9-to-6 framework




Solid Canberra sourcing, and an interest in how Canberra connects to the world

What You’ll Do
Co-write the Canberra Playbook morning newsletter (weekday early morning)
Help produce a Playbook PM edition on sitting days
Contribute to and occasionally host a Canberra Playbook podcast
Break news when it matters — and just as importantly, frame what others miss
Build and maintain a deep network across politics, policy, diplomacy and business
Work at speed, with high editorial judgment and a robust sense of voice

What You’ll Need
Robust writing instincts: clean, confident, and capable of personality without ego and fluff
Audio / video confidence is a plus (hosting or contributing to a podcast, and external media appearances)

What Makes This Job Different
You are not filing one story a day. Instead, you are setting the agenda for an entire political community, every morning
You will be part of a rigorous double-editing system — we are not looking for clicks and we do not deliver clickbait

Open Title

Canberra Playbook Co-Author
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📌 Canberra Playbook Co Author Perth (Australia)
🏢 POLITICO
📍 Australia