Award winning journalist Liz Jackson passes at age 66
ABC management has expressed their sadness at the passing of acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Liz Jackson at the age of 66.
Jackson won nine Walkley Awards over her thirty year career with the ABC. Her last work, A Sense of Self, documented her struggles with Parkinson’s disease and won a 2017 Walkley award to a standing ovation.
Jackson started with ABC’s Radio National in 1986 and joined Four Corners in 1993. She spent a year as presenter of Media Watch in 2005.
In 2013 she resigned from the ABC and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eighteen months later.
ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie said in a media statement: “Liz Jackson was one of the greats of the ABC, an incredible journalist who inspired all around her and who Australians turned to with complete trust.
“Her work has informed and shaped this country. Her enormous talent, fearless integrity and unflinching courage will serve as a beacon for many generations of journalists and storytellers to come.”
Director of news Gaven Morris added: “You could not be around Liz without being fired by her passion and in awe of her courage. She had extraordinary talent as a storyteller, accompanied by a deep humility.
“Last year I was deeply moved and honoured to be at the Walkley Awards when Liz received the Documentary Award. As she came onto the stage with Martin, and every person in the room rose in a standing ovation, she was visibly taken aback by the love and respect.
“Liz leaves a momentous legacy. We will never forget her.”
The ABC posted a statement from Jackson’s family;
Statement on behalf of the Jackson and Butler family
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our loving partner, Mum and Granny Liz Jackson.
She is deeply loved. We are overwhelmed with grief at her loss.
Liz was an inspiration to many and a legendary figure at the ABC, committing her life to public interest journalism. We are enormously proud of her work.
Liz was also the most wonderful Mum and Granny, to us she will always be our best friend, confidant, storyteller, chef and with a mean forehand.
Liz has struggled in recent years with Parkinson’s Disease. She died peacefully in her sleep whilst on holiday in Greece with Martin by her side on 27 June 2018.
We will provide information for those who wish to commemorate Liz’s life in the coming days. For now we would like to request some privacy as we deal with our devastating grief.
What a woman. What a loss.
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