Stan Grant leaves Monash University role to take up columnist job after quitting ABC role

Former host of Q+A Stan Grant has stepped down from his role at Monash University six months into the job, turning his attention to a new role.

Former host of QandA Stan Grant has stepped down from his role at Monash University, turning his attention to writing a column.

Mr Grant, 60, had only been in the role for six months after signing up to lead the university’s Constructive Institute Asia Pacific in the Faculty of Arts – which is devoted to media integrity.

The media personality has since joined The Saturday Paper, owned by Schwartz Media, as a columnist, with his first column being published on March 9.

Former ABC QandA host Stan Grant hosted his last show in May. 2023. Picture: ABC

Mr Grant said he was looking forward to contributing once more to the journalism landscape.

“The Saturday Paper is a writer’s paper and its readers want to engage with ideas. That’s where I want my work to land,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to have travelled the world over a 40-year career in journalism, covering the great stories of our time, and I want to bring that experience to understanding a world where far too often we speak across each other not to each other.

“Journalism has been part of the problem, but I still think words matter and my promise to readers is that my columns will look to a shared humanity, to a commitment to justice, and stand with the afflicted in generosity and love.”

Monash University Faculty of Arts Dean, Katie Stevenson confirmed Mr Grant had made the “difficult decision to step down from his role” a the university and “remains passionately committed” to what the Institute is trying to achieve.

“He will now focus on himself, his family and explore ways to support his community on country,” Ms Stevenson said in a statement.

“Stan Grant remains deeply supportive of the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific.

“The Institute remains dedicated to building on the University’s commitment to fostering greater integrity in journalism while countering misinformation in the media.”

ABC host Stan Grant faced backlash after comments he made during the public broadcaster's coverage of King Charles III's coronation. Picture: ABC TV.

Editor-in-chief of The Saturday Paper Erik Jensen said Mr Grant would be a welcome addition to the paper’s “intellectual life”.

“There are few people who write with Stan’s grace and erudition,” Mr Jensen said.

“He is one of the country’s sharpest journalists and he brings to his work a great store of intellect and feeling.

“He believes in the capacity of ideas to change society – and that is what his column will seek to do.”

Mr Grant’s latest career move comes after he walked away from hosting duties on the ABC’s QandA program in May 2023, citing racist abuse as the reason behind his departure from the show.

His decision to leave his 40-year career in the media was made after he faced immense backlash over comments made during the ABC’s coverage of King Charles III’s coronation, which included discussions of republicanism and criticism of the monarchy.

During his final episode as host of the current affairs show, Mr Grant said: “I am down right now, but I will get back up”.

His appointment coincides with The Saturday Paper’s 10th anniversary.

Originally published as Stan Grant leaves Monash University role to take up columnist job after quitting ABC role