Overview
Sam Lipski's distinguished career spans more than four decades in journalism, media commentary, and strategic philanthropy, establishing him as one of Australia's most respected public figures. His contributions to Australian public life have been recognized with two significant national honors: Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1993 for services to the media, and Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019 for distinguished service to the community through the promotion of strategic philanthropy to education and to Australia-Israel relations.
Sam Lipski AO LLD (Hon) & Andrew Main (Journalist) discuss Australian philanthrop
Leadership in Strategic Philanthropy
Sam served as Chief Executive of the Pratt Foundation, one of Australia's leading philanthropic organizations, from November 1998 for 21 years. His visionary leadership transformed the foundation into a model of strategic philanthropy, distinguishing between traditional philanthropy and what he calls "philanthrocracy"—the strategic, focused, and prioritized approach to giving that creates lasting impact.
Sam's philosophy centered on seeding transformative projects that might otherwise never be launched. He described this approach as "venture capital for the public good," enabling him to work with exceptional people doing great things from the very beginning. His tenure saw the foundation support hundreds of groundbreaking initiatives across education, culture, healthcare, and community development.
Recognition in 2019
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
"For distinguished service to the community through the promotion of strategic philanthropy to education and to Australia-Israel relations."
This recognition is believed to be one of the first Australia Day honours awarded specifically for strategic philanthropy, distinguishing it as a separate field of endeavor from Sam's earlier AM recognition.
Journalism Career
Sam Lipski's journalistic career began in 1961 and has included television, radio, newspapers and magazines, spanning more than four decades of distinguished service to Australian media. As a veteran journalist and commentator, he has contributed significantly to public discourse on matters of national and international importance.
Television News Reporter, GTV-9
Began his journalism career as a television news reporter, establishing his foundation in broadcast journalism.
Canberra Correspondent
Served as Canberra correspondent for the Nine Network and the Sydney Daily Telegraph, covering national politics and government affairs.
The Bulletin
Feature writer and foreign editor at The Bulletin, one of Australia's most influential publications.
Foundation Producer, This Day Tonight, ABC-TV
Foundation producer of the groundbreaking current affairs program This Day Tonight, helping to shape Australian television journalism.
Executive Producer, Four Corners, ABC-TV
Executive producer of Australia's premier investigative journalism program, Four Corners.
Washington Correspondent, The Australian
Served as Washington correspondent for The Australian, covering US politics, foreign policy, and international affairs during a pivotal period in American history.
Washington Correspondent, Jerusalem Post
Simultaneously served as Washington correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, covering US-Middle East relations and American foreign policy.
Australian Correspondent, Washington Post
Upon returning to Melbourne from Washington, became the Australian correspondent for the Washington Post.
Foreign Affairs Columnist, The Australian
Wrote influential foreign affairs columns for The Australian, providing analysis of international developments.
Executive Editor, Quadrant Magazine
Executive editor of Quadrant, one of Australia's leading intellectual and literary journals.
Editor, Australia-Israel Review
Founded and edited the Australia-Israel Review, a publication that led to the establishment of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).
Foreign Affairs Columnist, Sydney Daily Telegraph
Contributed foreign affairs analysis and commentary to the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
News Commentator, Radio 3AW, Melbourne
Provided news commentary and analysis on Melbourne's leading talkback radio station.
Television Commentator, National Nine Network
Television political, foreign affairs and media commentator on Sunday and Today programs, reaching national audiences with his analysis.
Melbourne Correspondent, The Bulletin
Served as Melbourne correspondent for The Bulletin magazine.
News Commentator, Radio 3AK, Melbourne
Provided news commentary and analysis on Radio 3AK.
Foreign Affairs and Media Columnist, The Bulletin
Wrote influential columns on foreign affairs and media for The Bulletin.
Editor-in-Chief and Executive Publisher, Australian Jewish News
His tenure as editor-in-chief of The Australian Jewish News marked a significant period in Australian Jewish journalism, where he combined editorial excellence with deep community engagement.
Foundation Publisher, Jerusalem Report, Israel
Foundation publisher of the Jerusalem Report, establishing a new voice in Israeli and international journalism.
Media Commentator, The Australian
Provided media commentary and analysis for The Australian.
Columnist, Melbourne Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Contributed columns to two of Australia's most prestigious newspapers, the Melbourne Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Recognition in 1993
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Awarded for services to the media, recognizing Sam's exceptional contributions to Australian journalism and his role in shaping public discourse.
Additional Media Accomplishments
In addition to his extensive journalism career, Sam Lipski has contributed essays and articles to a variety of books and international publications, scripted award-winning television documentaries, and developed a mini-series for television—The Petrov Affair (Nine Network)—as an associate producer. He currently contributes a regular column to the Australian Jewish News.
Cultural and Educational Leadership
The Victorian government appointed Sam as President of the Board of the State Library of Victoria, in which capacity he served from June 2000 until June 2006. During his tenure, he led one of Australia's most important cultural institutions, advancing education in its broadest sense and ensuring the library's continued relevance and accessibility to all Victorians.
Australia-Israel Relations
Sam's advocacy for close ties between Australia and Israel represents his "longest and most cherished involvement." He founded The Australia-Israel Review, a publication that led to the establishment of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), which has become a leading voice in promoting understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
The Pratt Foundation's work in Israel over 21 years, supporting hundreds of projects, exemplifies Sam's commitment to this relationship. A standout achievement was the development of Israel's Park of the Australian Soldier in Beersheba, planned nearly 20 years before the centenary of the 1917 Australian Light Horse battle. This project has served strategic, educational, and diplomatic purposes, significantly enhancing Australia-Israel relations.
Selected Leadership Positions
- CEO, Pratt Foundation (November 1998 - 2019, 21 years)
- Founding Director, Australian Jewish Funders
- President, State Library of Victoria (2000-2006)
- Council Member, Swinburne University of Technology (1995-2005)
- Chair, Advisory Board, Centre for Advancing Journalism, University of Melbourne
- Editor-in-Chief and Executive Publisher, The Australian Jewish News (1987-1998)
- Founder and Editor, The Australia-Israel Review (1976-1980)
- Foundation Publisher, Jerusalem Report, Israel (1989-1990)
- Executive Producer, Four Corners, ABC-TV (1968)
- Foundation Producer, This Day Tonight, ABC-TV (1967)
Academic Recognition
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, education, philanthropy, and public life, Monash University awarded Sam Lipski an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The citation praised him as "one of the outstanding Australians of his generation," acknowledging his stellar career and the enrichment he has brought to Australian community life through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.