Q+A host Hamish Macdonald to join The Project after ABC departure

Q+A host Hamish Macdonald’s new role has been revealed after he announced his departure from the ABC.

Former Q+A host Hamish Macdonald will join Lisa Wilkinson as co-host on The Project, it’s been revealed.

The former ABC presenter, who announced his departure from the national broadcaster this week amid low ratings, was poached by Channel 10 for the Friday night and Sunday edition and will conduct “special investigations” and documentaries.

He has been a regular guest on the Channel 10 current affairs show since 2016.

“I am over the moon to be returning to 10 and thrilled about the opportunity to make great local and international content with this dynamic group of producers and presenters,” Macdonald said in a statement.

“It is also a total joy to be heading back to the desk with Lisa, Tommy and the people I love so much.

“Finding innovative ways to tell stories from Australia and around the world is what I love doing and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Hamish Macdonald joins Lisa Wilkinson as co-host of The Project on Friday and Sunday starting in September.

Macdonald will replace Peter van Onselen, who will continue as the network’s political editor.

The slight panel change will come into effect in September.

Sarah Thornton, Head of Popular Factual, Network 10, said: “We have always considered Hamish part of our family here at The Project, and we are thrilled to welcome him home. “Hamish is an outstanding journalist and his skill and passion as a broadcaster make him a valued addition to our hosting line-up on The Project.

“Hamish will also be back on the road, where he is peerless, telling extraordinary stories and connecting with people in Australia and around the globe. As the world and the media landscape change, and as storytelling comes to the fore, never have Hamish’s talents been more important. I’m excited for what the future holds with Hamish back at 10.”

Earlier this week, Macdonald said he was “excited” about a new role after 18 months with the ABC.

Macdonald will also conduct “special investigations” and documentaries for The Project. Supplied.

“I am enormously grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to host Q+A and to work alongside wonderful, talented and passionate people,” he said.

“I am really proud of what we’ve achieved together during these extraordinary times.

“I’d also like to thank the incredible Q+A audience for all they contribute to this program each week. It is, after all, their show. Their questions and stories from all corners of Australia are inspiring, revealing and clever - and it has been a privilege to receive and read them.

Macdonald announced his departure from the ABC after 18 months. Pictured on Q+A with Wang Xining.

“I’m really excited to be moving on to a new opportunity, and working more with the ABC in the future.”

Macdonald, 40, replaced longtime Q+A host Tony Jones on the ABC last year.

In February, the show moved from Monday night to Thursday at 8:30pm and the following month ratings dropped to an all-time low with 237,000 viewers tuning in across the five major capital cities compared with more than double that figure nearly a decade ago.