Lenore Taylor Concludes Decade-Long Tenure as Guardian Australia Editor

Lenore Taylor has concluded her role as editor of Guardian Australia after a decade in the position, having been with the organization for a total of 13 years since its launch. Her departure follows a period during which Guardian Australia significantly expanded its readership and operations, becoming the fourth most-read news site in the country and receiving numerous journalistic awards. David Munk has been appointed as acting editor while a search for a permanent successor is undertaken.

Lenore Taylor Departs Guardian Australia

Lenore Taylor resigned as editor of Guardian Australia, a position she held for nearly ten years. Staff were informed of her decision on Tuesday, with her final day in the newsroom occurring on Wednesday. Taylor cited the demanding nature of the role as a factor in her decision, stating she had contemplated the move for some time.

Taylor holds the distinction of being the longest-serving current newspaper or news site editor in Australia, as well as the longest-serving female lead editor in the country's media landscape.

A Career Defined by Firsts

Taylor was a founding senior staff member when Guardian Australia launched in May 2013, initially serving as political editor. Prior to her appointment as editor, she received a Walkley award in 2014 and was recognized as the Australian press gallery journalist of the year. In May 2016, she was appointed editor, becoming the first Australian to hold the position.

Significant Growth and Recognition Under Her Leadership

During Taylor's tenure as editor, Guardian Australia expanded its operations and audience considerably. Key developments under her leadership include:

• Becoming the fourth most-read news site in Australia, reaching a unique audience of 8.4 million readers.
• A figure reported to exceed the readership of several established newspaper mastheads.
• Growth to 140 editorial staff operating nationwide.
• Expansion of content platforms to include podcasts, video, and social media.
• Receiving 12 Walkley Awards for reporting across various categories, including environmental, political, social affairs, and Indigenous issues, as well as commentary.
• Coverage of significant national events, including developments in Australian politics and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Guardian Australia operates a model of free content, supported by reader contributions, donations, and advertising. The organization's 2025 annual report indicated revenue of $50 million across Australia and New Zealand, supported by 158,000 recurring digital supporters.

Praises and Reflections

Katharine Viner, the Guardian’s editor-in-chief, acknowledged Taylor's contribution. She stated that Taylor's work, commitment, editorial rigor, and political insight were instrumental in positioning Guardian Australia as a significant entity. Viner credited Taylor's efforts with delivering journalism that influences the national agenda and attracting an increasing audience, noting her departure leaves Guardian Australia positioned for its next phase.

In a statement, Taylor expressed pride in the team's achievements and the service provided to readers during her leadership.

She noted a shift in reader perception, from initial gratitude for the Guardian's presence in Australia to a current sentiment among readers of not being able to imagine Australia without it.

Interim Leadership and Search for Successor

Katharine Viner will oversee an open selection process to appoint a new editor for Guardian Australia. In the interim, David Munk will serve as acting editor. Munk is the Guardian's senior managing editor in London and previously served as deputy editor of Guardian Australia, having been a former employee in its Sydney newsroom.

Guardian Australia maintains its editorial independence and operates with colleagues across editorial and commercial departments.