Zoe Daniel
Zoe Daniel is a nationally distinguished journalist, foreign correspondent, author, speaker and former independent Federal Member for Goldstein.
Zoe made history in 2022 as the first woman elected to the seat of Goldstein, running as a community-backed independent. She played a key role in strengthening climate legislation and led efforts to introduce integrity measures, such as gambling ad bans and digital safety laws.
A fierce advocate for transparency and independent politics, Zoe continues to drive reform through public speaking, consulting, advocacy and community engagement. Her approach is grounded in integrity, impact and people-first policymaking.
Before entering politics, Zoe spent nearly three decades as a journalist, covering major global events including climate disasters, conflict, political upheaval and the rise of Donald Trump. As the ABC’s Washington Bureau Chief and as a seasoned foreign correspondent across Africa and Asia, her work brought clarity to crises and earned deep public trust.
Zoe is the author of three books—Storyteller, a memoir of life on the front lines of journalism; Angel, a novel inspired by her coverage of Typhoon Haiyan; and Greetings from Trumpland, co-authored with Roscoe Whalan, analysing the Trump era through an Australian lens.
Zoe lives in bayside Melbourne with her family and remains a passionate voice for democracy, equity and climate action.
She works in advocacy, communications and supporting boards, executives and organisations to translate aims to outcomes. She is a writer, public speaker and community leader.
Zoe is the inaugural Independent Chair of Mental Health Victoria.
Former independent politician and journalist Zoe Daniel and the University of Melbourne's Associate Professor of Political Science Aaron Martin, explore the slow erosion of trust in our institutions and what lies behind it.