Michael Usher: A trusted face of Australian journalism
Michael Usher is one of Australia’s best-known and admired journalists. More than three decades he has covered breaking news, documented important international events and hosted national newscasts with professionalism and authority. He’s a familiar and dependable face on Australian television, reporting from disaster zones in the remotest of places or presenting the weekend news back home.
His long career is a testament to his passion, experience and determination to get the story right. From his humble origins in the province to his worldwide commitments, Michael Usher has built a reputation that still resonates with audiences around the country.
Early life and education
Michael Usher was born in Rockhampton, Queensland in 1970 and raised in Western Australia. He studied at All Saints’ College in Perth, where his passion for media and communication first began to grow.
After completing school he continued his education at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, graduating with an Associate Diploma in Media Studies. This rigors training honed his broadcasting skills and laid the groundwork for a successful and long-lasting media career.
Starting out in regional news
Like many Australian journalists, Michael Usher began his career on regional television. In 1990, he began working as a cadet reporter for the Golden West Television Network in Bunbury. Working in regional newsrooms provided me with invaluable practical experience. He shot, investigated and presented tales with limited budget. This helped him improve his versatility and confidence on camera.
Later, I worked in Kalgoorlie before moving on to STW-9 Perth. His tough reporting approach eventually led him to Sydney, where he joined TCN-9 and a larger national audience.
International reporting and major events
One of Michael Usher’s professional highlights has been his overseas reporting. He built a strong reputation reporting overseas, covering major global events firsthand.
During his time with the Nine Network, he also served as the US correspondent based in Los Angeles. He was on broadcast during the September 11 terrorist attacks, providing life-saving updates to Australian viewers during a tense and historic period.
He also reported from Iraq in 2003, when coalition forces entered Baghdad. These assignments necessitated bravery, preparation and excellent editing discretion. Australians recognised him for his ability to speak about complicated global issues in a plain and balanced manner.
In addition to covering wars, he covered major athletic events such as the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000. These events demonstrated his versatility, ranging from serious world affairs to high-level international sport.
Work on 60 Minutes
Michael Usher began working as a full-time reporter for 60 Minutes in 2009. The long-running news broadcast is known for its investigative journalism and human interest stories. His reporting approach was appropriate for the broadcast, combining empathy and incisive enquiry.
He also presided over the first leaders’ meeting between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott prior to the 2010 Federal Election. Having such a significant political event was a sign of trust in his abilities as a senior journalist.
Move to the Seven Network
After 25 years with the Nine Network, Michael Usher made the major switch to the Seven Network in 2016. It was a decision that launched a new chapter in his career.
At Seven, he was the Weekend Presenter of Seven News Sydney and later The Latest: Seven News. In these posts, he was responsible for the daily coverage of political and social topics, which required balance and clarity of presentation.
The Latest ended in 2024 due to production changes but he remains a regular on Seven News, maintaining his close bond with Australians.
Personal life and public image
Michael Usher has spoken freely about family life and the difficulties of balancing job and parenting responsibilities away from the public. He’s a father of three who has spoken out about the challenges of being a working parent in high-profile positions.
He later appeared on Dancing With The Stars Australia in 2025, displaying a lighter side of his personality. The look allowed viewers to see him outside of the newsroom, which boosted his relatability.
Conclusion
Michael Usher has worked as a journalist in Australia for about 30 years. He has reported from conflict zones, covered global disasters, hosted national briefings and interviewed politicians. Throughout these interactions, professionalism and trustworthiness have been essential to his job.
In difficult times many Australians turn to him for breaking news and thoughtful journalism. He is a regular fixture on the national and international stage, influencing public opinion of big stories with his reliable delivery and years of experience.
