David Marr is an author and journalist whose resume reads like a roll call of some of Australia’s most highly respected media outlets. He currently writes for the Sydney Morning Herald, and in the past has written for The Bulletin as well as The National Times, for which he was also later the editor. He’s been a reporter for ABC’s Four Corners and went on to host Media Watch from 2002 to 2004. During his time with the program he was one of the key players in exposing the ongoing cash for comment scandal surrounding Alan Jones and John Laws.

So how does he feel about his inclusion as one of the Same Same 25? “Well, I’m honoured,” says Marr, “But where’s Alan Jones?”

When it comes to the influences and role models in his life, Marr cites, “parents, teachers, friends and a few savagely funny old lesbians.” When asked if there were enough role models for gay people out there, Marr says, “Better than role models would simply be everyone coming out.”

Marr has published a number of books including a critically acclaimed biography of Australian writer Patrick White, which won The Age Book of the Year award and the New South Wales Premier's Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Marr says that out of all the career highlights he’s had, writing about the life of Patrick White is the one that stands out. In 2004 Marr co-wrote ‘Dark Victory’, which was an account of the 2001 Australian election campaign in the wake of the MV Tampa incident.

Marr says that his influence boils down to simply writing and talking, and sexuality aside he has always simply set out to tell it like it is.

“I’ve had a great time [working in the mainstream media],” says Marr. “But if I’d been straight it would have been duller.” And what’s next for Marr? “Only more of the same, I’m afraid.”

By Cameron Bayley