Tony Walker’s journey through journalism has taken him to war zones in far flung countries, is a published author and has won two Walkley Awards.
His service to the media as a journalist and to the community has been recognised by being awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia on January 26.
His list of accolades doesn’t stop there. He was a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times of London in North America, the Middle East and China spanning two decades.
“I think they’ve given an exaggerated impression,” Mr Walker said self-deprecatingly from his home in Barwon Heads.
“It took me quite some time to get a start. Luck plays a big part.”
Mr Walker was international editor for the Australian Financial Review from 2010 to 2016, its Washington correspondent from 2004 to 2010 and its political editor from 2000 to 2004.
“I always wanted to be a foreign correspondent and I always wanted to be a correspondent overseas,” he said.
“I never expected the cards to fall my way as they have. To my surprise, when I reflect on it, I more or less achieved what I wanted to.
“I don’t think journalists should be rewarded in any way, shape or form for simply doing their job (although) I’m honoured to have been nominated.”
His advice to aspiring young journalists is to be persistent.
“Seek out mentors and listen to them,” he said.
“Retain your independence and especially independence from your sources.”
