Applications open for the 2018 Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award

Today I announce the opening of applications for the 2018 Elizabeth O'Neill Journalism Award.

This Award supports one Australian journalist and one Indonesian journalist to undertake an exchange visit of up to two weeks to strengthen the mutual understanding and appreciation of both countries. This program will be tailored to each journalist's areas of interest and expertise.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O'Neill OAM, who died in Indonesia while in the service of the Australian Government on 7 March 2007. It builds on her tireless work to foster mutual understanding between Australia and Indonesia by encouraging accurate and informed media coverage.

Since the program began in 2007, Award recipients have reported on a range of issues including politics, trade and business, social change and development issues, agriculture, religion and education.

Indonesia is one of our most important bilateral partners. We enjoy a close and productive relationship with extensive cooperation in the political, economic and security sectors.

The Elizabeth O'Neill Award is open to high-achieving journalists from print, radio, television and online media organisations. Applicants must be Australian citizens resident in Australia or Indonesian citizens resident in Indonesia, and available to travel in the first half of 2018.

For more information, visit the DFAT website.

Applications close on 22 January 2018.