David Speers appointed ABC News political lead after Andrew Probyn departure

David Speers, the host of the ABC’s flagship political program Insiders, has been appointed as the broadcaster’s new national political lead, a new position, after the departure of former political editor Andrew Probyn.

Speers, who joined the ABC from Sky News Australia in 2019 as replacement for inaugural host Barrie Cassidy, recently moved to Canberra with Insiders, broadcasting its first episode in the nation’s capital last weekend.

Insiders host David Speers will take on an expanded political role.Credit: Photo: Justin McManus

ABC management made Probyn’s political editor role redundant in a recent round of cuts, in which up to 120 staff could eventually move on from the broadcaster.

ABC News director Justin Stevens asked Speers to take on an expanded role within its political coverage, which Speers accepted.

The broadcaster said in a statement the new role was a “separate initiative” to the proposed changes last month across its news division.

“It’s terrific to have the program that’s all about the nation’s politics now based right in the centre of the action,” Speers said.

“As Australians wrestle with hugely important issues around the cost of living, housing, climate change, the Indigenous Voice, and many others, the Insiders team will be on the ground to help them navigate how the policies and politics are impacting the nation and people’s lives.

“I’m also really pleased to have an expanded presence within the bureau. The ABC Parliament House team is a powerhouse of incredibly talented and dedicated journalists. It’s a privilege to be part of this team and I look forward to working even more closely with everyone.”

Stevens said Speers would take on a wider role in the broadcaster’s weekly political coverage, outside Insiders’ Sunday slot.

“David Speers is a hugely respected political journalist and with his Insiders responsibilities now based in Canberra full-time we have the opportunity to better utilise his vast experience during the rest of the week,” Stevens said.

Commenting on the appointment, Probyn said Speers was a good friend and he was “delighted” for him.

“He will do an excellent job in his new role and I wish him the very best.”

Probyn, a two-time Press Gallery Journalist of the Year, said he was “gobsmacked” by ABC’s decision to remove the political editor role when his departure was announced.

“I struggle to understand the direction the ABC is going in that it could consider the role of political editor not needed,” he said.

Staff from the broadcaster’s Canberra bureau expressed their anger over the decision to Stevens and deputy news director Gavin Fang in a conference call a day later.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland later requested a briefing from ABC management over its decisions, which it said were part of the broadcaster’s wider digital transformation strategy. The federal government has promised the ABC $6 billion in funding over the next five years.

“The minister has requested a briefing from the ABC management in regards to the ABC five-year plan and the announcement this week. This is a very difficult time for any individual whose role may be impacted by the changes,” a spokesperson for the minister said at the time.

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