6PR Breakfast presenter Gareth Parker has been crowned Journalist of the Year at the WA Media Awards, being praised for his work “exposing the lax Government supervision of WA’s only casino”.

He was also awarded Best Political Report, Best Business, Economics or Finance Report, and Best Columnist for his contributions to WA Today.

The judges made mention of the way Parker used his cross-platform presence to spark debate, accountability and speak to West Australian’s about why they should care.

Read the full statement from the judges below

“The judges felt there was one clear winner this year – someone whose journalism is a shining example of the importance of journalists relentlessly – and fearlessly – digging, probing and challenging those in power.

Through a bombshell news story that shone a light on conflicts of interest and cronyism, Gareth Parker exposed the lax Government supervision of WA’s only casino.

But what stood Parker apart for the judges was how he used his cross-platform presence to then force debate, accountability – and to explain to West Australians why they should care.”