Dan Bourchier
Dan Bourchier | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | journalist, television presenter, radio host |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | reporting for Sky News Australia, presenting news bulletins for ABC TV, hosting ABC Radio programs |
| Notable work | Leading the ABCs coverage of the Voice to Parliament as ABC Referendum/Voice Correspondent; Host of The Drum,ABC News Canberra (ABC TV), Canberra Breakfast (ABC Radio Canberra), Australian of the Year Awards (ABC Local Radio) |
Dan Bourchier is a prominent Australian journalist and television host, recognized for his contributions to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Sky News Australia.
Currently, he serves as a senior news anchor on the ABC News Channel’s Mornings program and holds the position of chairperson for the ABC’s Bonner Committee. Previously, he was the lead correspondent for ABC’s coverage of the Voice to Parliament referendum and hosted The Drum. Additionally, he anchored the ACT edition of ABC News on ABC TV Canberra from Sunday through Thursday.
Bourchier stood as a candidate for the staff-elected role on the ABC Board among eight nominees and maintained his intention to remain in the race even if not pre-selected by the union representing many ABC employees.
Career
Raised in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, Bourchier embarked on his journalism journey at age 13 with the Tennant and District Times, initially focusing on sports reporting. In 2007, he joined the team at NT News.
His television career commenced in 2010 at NITV, where he worked in both Sydney and Canberra. By 2012, Bourchier took on the role of Northern Territory bureau chief for Sky News Australia based in Darwin. Three years later, he relocated to Canberra to cover politics and serve as national Indigenous affairs correspondent.
In February 2017, Bourchier transitioned to ABC, taking over from Virginia Haussegger as presenter of local news on ABC TV Canberra from Monday to Thursday. He also hosted ABC Radio Canberra’s breakfast show until December 2019.
In 2019, he pioneered an Indigenous Acknowledgement of Country segment within ABC News Canberra, collaborating with Ngunnawal elders and incorporating local language salutations to highlight Indigenous respect and recognition.
During the 2019–2020 bushfire crisis in Australia, Bourchier delivered reports from outside ABC Canberra studios due to smoke alarms activated by bushfire smoke inside.
Beyond his work in Canberra, Bourchier has anchored the New South Wales edition of ABC News, presented various national programs on ABC TV and the ABC News channel including Weekend Breakfast, regularly hosted The Drum, and appeared on Insiders. He has also been the host for national broadcasts of the Australian of the Year Awards on ABC Local Radio.
In April 2022, Bourchier joined Dart Centre Asia Pacific’s board but stepped down in July 2022.
He is a committed advocate for social justice, education, and equality, acting as an ambassador for organizations such as the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP), and the Pinnacle Foundation.
Personal life
Bourchier identifies as an Indigenous Australian with Aboriginal heritage inherited from his mother. He is a strong advocate for First Nations Australians and actively engages in events focused on Indigenous matters, including those held during National Reconciliation Week. His leadership experience includes roles within Indigenous organisations such as the contemporary dance group Blakdance, and he acts as an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.
Openly gay, Bourchier has spoken publicly about related topics. He champions both cultural and gender inclusivity, choosing not to participate in panel discussions that omit female voices and refusing to lead dialogues concerning particular communities without their direct representation.