Senior Mercury staff changes

THE Mercury is pleased to announce some significant staff changes.

Sunday Tasmanian chief reporter David Beniuk has been appointed state political editor, replacing Blair Richards, who is on maternity leave.

He will oversee the Mercury and Sunday Tasmanian’s political strategy across seven days.

Mr Beniuk was previously a long-time reporter for AAP in Sydney and later Tasmania.

Community engagement and opinion editor David Killick rejoins the political team as state political reporter, alongside Alexandra Humphries.

Mr Killick is an experienced political, court and police writer. He was previously the paper’s crime editor.

Editor Matt Deighton said it was important to boost the team in the lead-up to a landmark State Election.

“David Beniuk and David Killick are both highly talented and experienced reporters who understand Tasmania and its issues,” he said.

Deputy editor Phil Young has taken carriage of the

Mercury’s digital content and strategy across seven days.

Experienced reporter Michelle Paine replaces Mr Killick as community engagement and opinion editor, overseeing the letters and popular Talking Point pages.

The political team is filled out by urban affairs reporter Simeon Thomas-Wilson, education reporter Loretta Lohberger, health reporter Alex Luttrell, federal political editor Nick Clark and North-West reporter Helen Kempton.