Quentin Dempster

Journalist and ABC Presenter: Stateline

Interview

Interview - 28th September 2003

Profile

Quentin Dempster is a journalist, author and broadcaster with extensive experience in television and print media. Currently he presents Stateline NSW in the 7.30 p.m. Friday timeslot. He joined the ABC in 1984 as associate producer of Nationwide in Queensland, becoming current affairs political reporter and interviewer. In 1986 he wrote and produced the highly acclaimed documentary 'The Sunshine System' about institutionalised corruption in Queensland. From 1987 he presented the state edition of the 7.30 Report, writing and producing the national network coverage of the Fitzgerald inquiry into police and political corruption. In 1988 he famously asked incoming Premier Russell Cooper: "What do you understand by the doctrine of the separation of powers?" Quentin transferred to Sydney in 1990 where he presented the New South Wales edition of The 7.30 Report until 1994 when he headed a national investigative unit for the program. From 1996 he worked for both the Australia-wide edition of The 7.30 Report and Stateline NSW. In 1992 he was awarded an Order of Australia for 'services to journalism and current affairs'. In 2002 he was awarded a Walkley Award for 'outstanding contribution to journalism'. From 1992 to 1996 he was staff-elected director on the ABC Board. Quentin has written three books: 'Honest Cops' (1992); 'Whistleblowers' (1997) and 'Death Struggle - how political malice and boardroom powerplays are killing the ABC' (2000). Quentin is married with two children and lives in Sydney. (Credit: ABC Stateline)

Websites

ABC Stateline

ABC Stateline NSW

The 7.30 Report

Profiles

ABC