Laurie Oakes reported for print, radio and television from the Canberra Press Gallery from 1964 until his retirement in 2017.
Essays & reportage
A party for the people
David Solomon & Laurie Oakes
2 December 2022
Beer and scuffles open The Making of an Australian Prime Minister, the classic account of the 1972 election
Essays & reportage
“When you work in a zoo it’s dangerous to get too friendly with the animals”
Laurie Oakes
21 November 2018
Despite his warning to young journalists, Alan Reid was both observer and player in Parliament House. His work has been recognised this month by the Australian Media Hall of Fame
Essays & reportage
Alive to every pulse beat
Laurie Oakes
13 August 2018
More than anyone, Warren Denning was responsible for initiating the ABC’s coverage of Canberra politics
Essays & reportage
It’s fun. It’s an adventure. It gets the adrenalin going
Laurie Oakes
21 September 2017
The veteran press gallery reporter survived a contempt of parliament charge to report on federal politics for half a century. This is an edited version of his farewell speech to…
© 2025 Inside Story and contributors | ISSN 1837-0497