The second in a series of practically-focused journalism masterclasses for UQ students.

UNESCO Chair in Journalism and Communication Prof Peter Greste, The Walkley Foundation and The University of Queensland's School of Communication and Arts are excited to announce the second in a series of practically-focused journalism masterclasses for UQ students.

UQ & Walkley Journalism Masterclass: Right to Information for Journalists with Alison Sandy

Learn how to use Right to Information requests to underpin your journalism with award-winning journalist and Seven News FOI editor, Alison Sandy. Alison will talk through what kind of information is available and all the tricks and traps for getting hold of it.

Right to Information legislation exists to help citizens access information in the public interest. It’s becoming an increasingly essential tool for journalists, to uncover records and data that might otherwise go unseen. It should be a simple process, but it can be tricky; learn from an expert about how to avoid the obstacles and make the most of this integral research tool for reporting.

Alison will explain what kind of stories can benefit from Right to Information, what kind of information you can request, costs and fees, and variations in legislation from state to state and federally.

About Alison Sandy 

Alison Sandy is a multi-award winning journalist who has been lodging Freedom of Information applications since starting her career 20 years ago. Alison joined the Seven Network in 2014 to become the nation’s first female FOI Editor. Last year, she lodged almost 800 applications nationwide. On average, the Seven Network puts to air three FOI-related stories a week. Alison is a fierce advocate of the media’s role in holding governments and its representatives to account. She has successfully fought and won several appeals for access to documents under FOI laws and uncovered details that have contributed to positive changes in legislation.

Some of Alison’s more successful investigations include revealing the extent of Child Brides in Australia where children are regularly being forced to marry much older men, and a year-long FOI investigation into the extent of sexual assaults across the nation’s 39 universities.

For the latter, she won an award from the United Nations Association of Australia for the Promotion of Gender Equality – Empowerment of Women and Girls.

Most recently, she has taken on the role of executive producer of the global hit podcast The Lady Vanishes.

Registrations essential.

Enquiries: p.greste@uq.edu.au

Important information to ensure the safety of all event attendees:

• Due to safety reasons and in line with current guidelines, registration is essential for this event.

• Stay at home if you are unwell or have a cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath.

• Students who register on Student Hub will not be penalised for missing events if they are unwell.

• If you become unwell during the event, please let the event organiser know as soon as possible.

• Registration may take longer than usual; please arrive early, respect physical distancing and be patient.

• Maintaining physical distancing is your responsibility.