Journalists from Nine mastheads The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review were recognised alongside the network's 60 Minutes as recipients of the 2024 Gold Walkley on Tuesday night for their collective effort on the 'Building Bad' investigation into the CMFEU.

Nine Entertainment took out 11 awards in total at the 69th Walkley Awards, with the top gong going to Nick McKenzie, David Marin-Guzman, Ben Schneiders, Amelia Ballinger, Reid Butler and Garry McNab for their work to expose the construction union's ties to bikies and organised criminals. The Walkley Judging Board unanimously selected the investigation as the story of the year.

"An incredible, courageous feat of investigative journalism with huge ramifications. A story Australian journalists have been trying to tell for decades. Nick McKenzie and his team finally nailed it, in a massive cross-platform, inter-newsroom collaboration," the Walkley Judging Board said in a statement.

Executive Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday, Luke McIlveen, said: “This has been an incredible year for the unrivalled journalism at the Herald and The Age. This is deserved recognition for the journalists, editors, photojournalists and artists who serve our readers every day."

Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Fiona Dear, said the Walkley wins for 60 Minutes highlighted how collaboration between Nine’s newsrooms ensures the company’s investigative journalism reaches a diverse and wide audience.

"The collaboration of Nine's publishing and broadcast teams is one of the most formidable investigative units in the country and I couldn't be prouder,” said Dear. “Nick McKenzie is one of Australia's most powerful investigative journalists. His prosecution of the CFMEU and the impact of that story, has had a profound effect on the construction industry."

The 69th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism were presented in 30 categories. Nick Moir was named the Nikon-Walkley Press Photographer of the Year for his portfolio of work published in the Sydney Morning Herald. Andrew Fowler won the Walkley Book Award for 'Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia's Sovereignty' (Melbourne University Publishing).

'How To Poison A Planet' won the Walkley Documentary Award, made by Katrina McGowan, Janine Hosking, Mat Cornell and Carrie Fellner (iKandy Films and Stan). Robert Gottliebsen was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution to Journalism, awarded by the Walkley Foundation's board of directors.

7NEWS also picked up two awards, with chief reporter Chris Reason and cameraman Simon Hydzik jointly receiving accolades in the All Media category for their frontline reporting of the devastating Israel-Hamas war. Reason also received the Investigative Journalism award in All Media category for his four-year investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of former Bishop Christopher Saunders.

Seven Network Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “These awards are well-deserved recognition of excellent journalism – of which 7NEWS strives for every single day. “Chris and Simon should be very proud of an award that is a testament to the finest reporting in one of the most dangerous of locations. “Individually, Chris should be very honoured for a rare feat of winning two Walkley Awards in one night for different investigations. It’s yet another credit to his very distinguished record of journalism over many years and why he is our chief reporter at 7NEWS."

Elsewhere, Newcastle Herald reporter Matthew Kelly picked up the Walkley Award for the Community and Regional Affairs category for his series of stories following the life of Alwyn Craig - work that helped reunite the subject with his family after 30 years of living on the streets of Newcastle.

Newcastle Herald editor Lisa Allan said: “Matthew’s story embodies the very essence of journalism—shining a light on the unseen and giving a voice to the voiceless. Through his investigation, quiet empathy, and compassion, he not only told Alwyn Craig’s story but helped transform his life. Bringing a Vietnam veteran from the streets to safety and reuniting him with his family is a powerful reminder of the impact that regional journalism can have, changing lives, restoring dignity, and reconnecting families.”

ACM Editorial Director, and former Newcastle Herald editor, Rod Quinn, said: “I remember Alwyn Craig well. He was a familiar face in inner-city Newcastle, but too often overlooked. Matthew was one of the few people who cared enough to listen and dig deeper. This award is a well-deserved recognition of Matthew's dedication to giving a voice to those who are too often ignored.”

"There were more than 1100 entries in this year's Walkley Awards from journalists, photographers, documentary makers, authors, cartoonists and producers. The quality of their work was extremely high this year proving the excellence of Australia's leading journalists. My congratulations to the winners and the finalists," said Walkley Foundation's chief executive, Shona Martyn.

The Walkley Foundation required entrants to declare chequebook journalism and introduced more rigorous reporting of AI and legal challenges, with a checking process that includes the assistance of three integrity observers.

"The Walkleys do not condone or reward chequebook journalism. Our rules have been strengthened this year to make this unequivocal. In my first year as chair of the Walkley Judging Board, I have been inspired by the calibre of the journalism before us. I commend all of our finalists and winners for their work," said chair of the Walkley Judging Board, Sally Neighbour.

A full list of winners can be found on the Walkley website.