Ex-60 Minutes journalist Tracey Curro charged with North Queensland assault

A former high-profile journalist has released a statement after she was charged with assault over an incident in North Queensland.

Tracey Curro, a former Channel 9 reporter for 60 Minutes in the mid-90s, has been charged with common assault in relation to an incident in Ingham on August 19.

A former high-profile Australian journalist and news presenter known for eliciting the famed “please explain?” from One Nation-founder Pauline Hanson has been charged with assault.

North Queensland-born Tracey Curro, 58, a former Channel 9 reporter for 60 Minutes in the mid-90s, has been charged with common assault in relation to an incident on August 19.

The alleged assault occurred in Ingham, where Curro was born, but the complainant is believed to be from Townsville.

Ingham Police confirmed an incident had occurred at an address in the Hinchinbrook town on August 19 and that a woman had been charged as a result.

It is understood it is in relation to a family dispute.

Curro said it was distressing that a private matter had been made public in a statement she released at 3pm on Friday.

“My sister and I have been caring for our elderly, terminally ill father for several years now,” she said.

“Unfortunately, as a result, this has divided extended family members...

“I remain solely focussed on my father’s wellbeing and ensuring his final days are peaceful.”

Curro did not comment on the circumstances regarding the assault charge.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto confirmed he was aware “of the family dispute and that he had been trying to assist”.

A screengrab of former high-profile Australian journalist Tracey Curro presenting National Nine News Melbourne in the early 2000s.

He would not comment further.

Curro became a household name when she asked Hanson during a sit-down interview if she was xenophobic after her controversial election to the House of Representatives in the Federal Elections in 1996.

Hanson’s response, “Please explain?”, was widely derided around not only Australia, but the world.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Curro worked as a reporter for 60 Minutes for four years until 1997 and as a journalist and presenter with Nine Network Australia from 2002 to 2005.

Both jobs were based in Melbourne.

In recent years, the former Ingham State High School student has moved into various corporate communications roles, also based in Melbourne, according to the business and employment website.

She left her job as executive director, communications and stakeholder relations with Ambulance Victoria in 2021.

She remains a part-time board member for Shrine Remembrance.

Originally published as Ex-60 Minutes journalist Tracey Curro charged with North Queensland assault