Journalist Wins Federal Press Gallery Award for Party Faction Coverage

A chief political commentator received the 2026 Federal Press Gallery Journalist of the Year Award for coverage of factional figures and alliances within Australia's two major parties. The award recognized reporting that mapped the internal structures of both the Labor and Liberal parties and described how those structures influence policy and leadership decisions.

The award was presented on Wednesday at the annual Midwinter Ball, a charity event held in Parliament House's Great Hall in Canberra. The commentator has worked in the federal press gallery for 14 years and also serves as South East Asia correspondent for two newspapers.

"In his entries, Massola identified in exceptional detail, the factional figures in the Labor and the Liberal parties and their roles in policy and leadership debates," the judges said. The judges noted that the reporting included background on accusations that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has avoided bold policy moves.

National editor David King said the award reflected the reporter's understanding of how power operates inside Parliament. "Nobody understands the machinations better than James, not just the numbers but the motivations and alliances and beliefs that shape parties," King said. The reporter's name will be added to the National Press Club's honour board.