Job Description

Guardian Australia is part of Guardian News & Media (GNM), publisher of theguardian.com. As a leading global media organisation, we are renowned for our pioneering independent journalism and our award-winning digital products.

We are seeking an individual to join us for a paid 12-month, fixed-term journalism cadetship as part of the Guardian Australia Scott Trust Cadetship program, commencing in February 2027. This cadetship is an opportunity to gain experience in creating content for Guardian Australia.

Applicants may be early career journalists, have practical experience in journalism, or a demonstrated interest in writing, including published work as a student journalist or in other publications. Applicants may also have tertiary qualifications (not necessarily in journalism). The cadetships will provide practical experience as well as formal journalism training and mentoring.

Cadetship applicants who come from a Black (African-descendant) and/or culturally and linguistically diverse background are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have an interest in growing First Nations and cultural and linguistic diversity in Guardian Australia's newsroom. Applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants: If you identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, please submit your application throughthis job portal.

In this role, you will…

• Receive formal journalism training in areas such as news writing, news gathering and court reporting.
• Gain practical experience in producing content for many of Guardian Australia's departments
• Rotate through Guardian Australia's editorial departments over the period of the contract under the mentorship and guidance of senior editors
• Generate interesting, original content, and cover stories in innovative ways
• Display a willingness for the audience to participate in your work, interact with readers through various threads, responding to ideas and using information as source material
• Learn to make contacts and develop story areas, and break exclusives in those areas

You'll bring…

• A demonstrable interest in journalism, or practical experience of journalism. You may also have a tertiary qualification, not necessarily in journalism
• Demonstrated interest in writing, including published work as a student journalist or in other publications.
• A good knowledge of racial issues in Australia and how they have historically affected different communities (given that this scheme has been created through the Legacies of Enslavement restorative justice program).
• Exposure to, interest in, or willingness to learn about, digital platforms and working in a fast-changing and high-pressure news environment
• A familiarity with Guardian Australia stories and an interest in Guardian values
• A willingness and desire to learn and be mentored along with a curious, enquiring mindset
• Familiarity and ease with social media. It's a bonus if you have video and audio experience
• Good knowledge of news, current affairs and a general understanding of, or interest in learning about, media law
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment whilst managing multiple tasks
• Good writing, communication and interpersonal skills

About the Guardian Australia Scott Trust Cadetships

• Further information about the Guardian Australia Scott Trust Cadetships and general FAQs can be viewed here
• The full job description can be found here
• The cadetship is being offered as a paid, full-time, 12-month, fixed-term opportunity in Sydney. The cadetship will commence in February 2027.
• We require candidates to either be based in Sydney or be willing to relocate to Sydney. As the program is a full-time role, you'll also need to be available to work full-time hours for the duration of the cadetship.
• There is no guarantee of ongoing employment after the completion of the Scott Trust Cadetship, however, those who complete the program may apply for relevant vacancies at Guardian Australia and will be considered on their merits
• This role will be working over a seven-day roster with early starts or late finishes.
• You'll also be assigned another Guardian employee from editorial as a mentor for the duration of the cadetship.

About working at Guardian Australia…

• Hybrid working
• Employee assistance program (EAP) to support employee wellbeing
• Paid volunteer leave
• Dedicated diversity and inclusion employee groups, action plans (including our Reconciliation Action Plan) and cultural competency training
• Guardian digital subscription

How to apply

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.

To apply for this position, please upload the following:

• A resume and cover letter, outlining why you want to be a Guardian Australia Scott Trust Cadet and any existing experience you have in journalism and/or writing.
• A short explanation (maximum 300 words) about a story you would like to write for Guardian Australia in the next six months on diversity in Australia. Please include the angle you would like to pursue for the story, why it's suitable for Guardian Australia, as well as information on who you would want to interview for the story, and why.
• Please upload your application as two attachments: your resume as one document, and your cover letter together with the short explanation as one document.

Closing date for applications: 13 September 2026.

If you have application questions or if you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please email australia.hr@theguardian.com

GNM Australia Limited (Guardian Australia) is proud to be a fair and ethical employer. Australian editorial minimum rates of pay by band and grade are outlined in the Journalists (GNM Australia Pty Ltd) Enterprise Agreement 2024 for roles that fall under its coverage.

We believe that our role in the Australian media is to give a voice to the most marginalised people in society and value and respect all differences in all people — including people of colour, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from different social classes, people with diverse gender and sexual identities, and people with disabilities (seen and unseen). We believe that these communities must be centred in the work we do, bringing a new perspective and a diversity of thought. We also encourage flexible working and aim to create a work environment where all employees feel respected.