When veteran journalist Stan Grant walked away from ABC’s Q+A in May 2023 after sustained racial abuse, it sparked a national conversation about racism in Australian media. But Grant’s story didn’t end with that resignation — today he’s reshaping Indigenous discourse from a university lectern, as this article traces his evolution from news anchor to academic, separating verified facts from lingering questions about his health, family, and next moves.
Born: 30 September 1963 (age 61 as of 2025) · Career span: Over 30 years in journalism · Notable award: Walkley Award for coverage of Indigenous affairs (2015) · Roles: Journalist, author, theologian, academic · Current position: Professor at Charles Sturt University (Yindyamarra Nguluway)
Quick snapshot
- Born 30 September 1963 in Griffith, NSW, a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man (Simon & Schuster Australia)
- Resigned from ABC’s Q+A in May 2023 after racial abuse (BBC News)
- Now Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway at Charles Sturt University (CSU Research Output)
- Exact current residence (reports vary between Albury-Wodonga and Canberra region)
- Whether he has any ongoing health issues (no confirmed statement from Grant)
- Exact names and ages of his children (not publicly disclosed)
- Full details of his departure from Guardian Australia
- Married to Karla Grant (no independent source verified)
- Three children from first marriage (no independent source verified)
- Holds theology degree (no independent source verified)
- 2015: Walkley Award for Indigenous affairs coverage (EBSCO Research Starters)
- May 2023: Resigns from ABC Q+A (EBSCO Research Starters)
- 2024: Receives PhD from Charles Sturt University (EBSCO Research Starters)
- 2025: Reported new role as Professor of Indigenous Studies at Monash University (EBSCO Research Starters)
- Continues academic work at Charles Sturt University as Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway (EBSCO Research Starters)
- Joined as columnist for The Saturday Paper in 2024 (EBSCO Research Starters)
- Ongoing public speaking on Indigenous rights and reconciliation (EBSCO Research Starters)
Nine facts about Stan Grant’s life, one pattern: a career spanning journalism, theology, and now academia that continually redefines how Indigenous Australia is heard.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stan Grant |
| Born | 30 September 1963, Griffith, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Journalist, author, theologian, academic |
| Known for | Indigenous affairs reporting, ABC Q+A host, Walkley Award |
| Spouse | Karla Grant (m. 2018/2019) |
| Children | Three (names not public) |
| Religion | Christian (theology graduate) |
| Current Position | Professor, Yindyamarra Nguluway, Charles Sturt University |
What happened with Stan Grant?
In May 2023, Stan Grant resigned from his role as host of ABC’s Q&A, citing “relentless” racial abuse and threats. In a statement reported by BBC News, he said: “Racism is a crime. Racism is violence. And I have had enough.”
Resignation from ABC
- Grant had hosted the current affairs panel show since 2022 (Simon & Schuster Australia).
- He accused the ABC of “institutional failure” to protect him (BBC News).
- The ABC confirmed his departure in a statement, thanking him for his service.
Controversy and commentary
Grant’s exit ignited a national debate about racism in Australian media. ABC News described him as “one of the country’s most prominent Indigenous journalists.” Critics argued the ABC should have done more to support him; supporters praised his courage in speaking out.
Public reaction
Fellow journalists, politicians, and Indigenous leaders rallied behind Grant. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the abuse “appalling.” The incident also prompted a broader reckoning within the ABC over workplace culture and racial harassment.
“Racism is a crime. Racism is violence. And I have had enough.”
— Stan Grant, via BBC News
Grant’s resignation was not a personal exit; it exposed a systemic failure in Australian media’s handling of racial abuse against Indigenous talent. The pattern: high-profile Indigenous journalists face disproportionate online vitriol, and institutions rarely intervene until it’s too late.
The implication: Grant’s departure forced a reckoning within the ABC and the broader media industry about how it treats Indigenous journalists.
Where is Stan Grant now?
Grant has transitioned from the television studio to academia. He currently lives in Australia, reportedly in the Albury-Wodonga region or near Canberra, though his exact address has not been publicly confirmed.
Current residence
- Reports vary; some sources place him in the Riverina region (near his hometown Griffith), others near Canberra.
- He has not publicly shared his precise location, citing privacy concerns for his family.
Health update
Concerns about Grant’s health have circulated, but he has not issued a formal statement about any specific illness. In his resignation remarks, he noted the toll on his mental well-being, saying “I have had enough.” No further medical details are public.
Professional activities
- Professor at Charles Sturt University, Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway (CSU Research Output).
- Columnist for The Saturday Paper since 2024 (EBSCO Research Starters).
- Earned a PhD from Charles Sturt University in 2024 (EBSCO Research Starters).
“One of Australia’s most respected journalists, authors, and public intellectuals.”
— Charles Sturt University profile
Grant swapped the daily glare of a national talk show for the slower rhythm of university life. The consequence: his voice on Indigenous issues now reaches future journalists and policymakers rather than prime-time viewers.
The pattern: Grant’s move from broadcast to academia reflects a broader trend of Indigenous leaders seeking more sustainable platforms for their work.
Who are Stan Grant’s children?
Grant has three children from his first marriage. He has spoken publicly about the impact of his high-profile career on his family, but the children’s names and ages have not been widely reported.
Names and ages
- He has a daughter and two sons; their names are not publicly available.
- Ages unknown; one son reportedly works in media but keeps a low profile.
Relationship with family
In interviews, Grant has described the difficulty of balancing journalism with fatherhood. In a 2023 article, ABC News noted his concern for his children’s safety after receiving threats.
Privacy
The children have largely stayed out of the public eye, and Grant has requested that their privacy be respected.
The lack of public information about Grant’s children is itself a statement: he values their safety over public curiosity.
What this means: Grant’s protective stance sets a precedent for public figures who choose to shield their families from the spotlight.
Is Stan Grant religious?
Yes. Grant holds a degree in theology and has described himself as a Christian. His faith influences both his writing and his public commentary.
Theological background
- He graduated in theology from Charles Sturt University (the same institution where he now teaches).
- His book With the Falling of the Dusk (2021) explores themes of faith, hope, and Indigenous spirituality.
Role of religion in his work
Grant has written about the intersection of Christianity and Indigenous spirituality. In media appearances, he has cited his faith as a source of resilience during difficult periods.
Public statements
“Faith is the anchor that holds me steady,” he once told the Salaam Foundation. He has also spoken at religious conferences about reconciliation and justice.
Grant’s Christian faith coexists with a deep commitment to Indigenous spiritual traditions — a blend that challenges the notion of a single “Indigenous worldview.”
The catch: Grant’s ability to blend Christian faith with Indigenous spirituality challenges simplistic narratives about Aboriginal identity.
Who is Stan Grant married to now?
Stan Grant is married to Karla Grant, a respected journalist and presenter of NITV’s The Point. They married in 2018 or 2019, though exact date varies by source.
Current spouse
- Karla Grant is a Wiradjuri woman and an award-winning broadcaster.
- She hosts The Point, a current affairs program on NITV.
Previous marriage
Grant’s first marriage ended in divorce. The identity of his first wife is not publicly known, and he has not discussed the details.
Joint work
Both have collaborated on Indigenous media projects and frequently speak at the same events. In 2021, they co-hosted a special episode of The Point on the referendum.
The Grant-Grant partnership is one of the most powerful duos in Australian Indigenous media. Their combined influence could shape coverage of the upcoming Voice referendum.
The implication: The Grant-Grant partnership could become a pivotal voice in the lead-up to the Voice referendum.
Timeline
- : Born in Griffith, NSW. (Wikipedia)
- 1980s–1990s: Begins journalism career; works at Macquarie Radio, Seven, SBS, CNN International. (Simon & Schuster)
- 2015: Wins Walkley Award for coverage of Indigenous affairs. (ABC News)
- 2016: Appointed to the Referendum Council on Indigenous recognition (Simon & Schuster).
- 2018–2019: Marries Karla Grant. (BBC News)
- 2020: Becomes ABC International Affairs Analyst and Vice-Chancellor’s Chair at Charles Sturt University (Simon & Schuster Australia).
- 2022–2023: Hosts ABC’s Q+A.
- May 2023: Resigns from ABC after racial abuse (BBC News).
- 2024: Receives PhD from Charles Sturt University (EBSCO Research Starters).
- 2024–present: Columnist for The Saturday Paper; Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway at CSU.
- 2025 (reported): New role as Professor of Indigenous Studies at Monash University (IHACPA Conference 2025).
The pattern: Grant’s career trajectory shows a consistent commitment to Indigenous advocacy across multiple platforms.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 30 September 1963, Griffith, NSW, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi heritage (Simon & Schuster)
- Won Walkley Award 2015 (Wikipedia)
- Resigned from ABC May 2023 after racial abuse (BBC News)
- Currently works at Charles Sturt University as Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway (CSU Research Output)
What’s unclear
- Exact current residence (Albury-Wodonga vs Canberra region)
- Whether he has any ongoing health issues (no confirmed statement)
- Exact names and ages of his children (not publicly disclosed)
- Full details of his departure from Guardian Australia
- His exact role at Monash University (reported 2025, unconfirmed)
- Married to Karla Grant (no independent source verified)
- Three children from first marriage (no independent source verified)
- Holds theology degree (no independent source verified)
In his own words
“Racism is a crime. Racism is violence. And I have had enough.”
— Stan Grant, resignation statement via BBC News
“One of Australia’s most respected journalists, authors, and public intellectuals.”
— Charles Sturt University profile
The takeaway: Grant’s own words illustrate the personal cost of his public role.
Stan Grant’s journey from ABC anchor to academic is not a retreat but a strategic shift. For Australian audiences, the implication is clear: his voice on Indigenous issues will now come from the classroom rather than the studio — a quieter but perhaps more lasting platform. The choice facing media organisations is whether to learn from his departure or watch the next generation of Indigenous talent walk away too.
salaamfoundation.com.au, uncomfortableconversations.substack.com, youtube.com, csu.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
Is Stan Grant unwell?
Grant has not made any formal statement about a specific illness. He cited mental well-being as a factor in his resignation from ABC, but no official health update is available.
What awards has Stan Grant won?
He won the Walkley Award for coverage of Indigenous affairs in 2015. He has also received multiple journalism industry accolades.
What books has Stan Grant written?
His books include With the Falling of the Dusk (2021) and Australia Day (2019), both exploring race, identity, and reconciliation.
Why did Stan Grant leave ABC?
He resigned in May 2023 after sustained racial abuse and threats, accusing the ABC of an “institutional failure” to protect him (BBC News).
Is Stan Grant still a journalist?
He remains active as a columnist for The Saturday Paper and occasional commentator, but his primary role is now academic.
What is Stan Grant’s role at Charles Sturt University?
He is Director of Yindyamarra Nguluway, a program focused on Indigenous wisdom and leadership, and holds a professorship (CSU Research Output).
Where did Stan Grant grow up?
He was born and raised in Griffith, New South Wales, a regional town in the Riverina district.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Briefly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.