Award-Winning 7NEWS Adelaide Reporter Hannah Foord Quits TV for Politics
7NEWS Adelaide reporter Hannah Foord is leaving television journalism to join the South Australian Liberal Party as a senior media advisor to Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn, ending a decorated career in Adelaide media.
The move marks a major shift for one of the state’s best-known crime and investigative reporters, with Foord set to begin her new role at the end of June 2026.
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Her departure comes after five years with 7NEWS Adelaide, where she built a reputation for high-profile police and investigative reporting, covering some of the biggest stories in South Australia. Foord previously worked as a reporter for Channel 10 Adelaide and as a breakfast newsreader with Nova 91.9, before joining 7NEWS Adelaide.
The journalist’s exit from television arrives at a difficult moment for the state opposition, with Ashton Hurn overseeing a rebuilding phase for the Liberals following the party’s disastrous result at the March 2026 South Australian election.
The Liberals retained just five seats in the 47-seat House of Assembly, recording one of the worst election defeats in the party’s state history.
The result also saw the Liberals finish with a lower primary vote than One Nation, although the party narrowly held onto official Opposition status.
Foord is expected to play a key communications role as Hurn attempts to rebuild the party’s public standing against the dominant Labor government led by Premier Peter Malinauskas.
Hurn became Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party in December 2025, with Foord now joining what insiders have described as a new-look leadership team focused on reconnecting with voters.
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Her appointment also continues a well-established pathway between Adelaide media and politics, with journalists frequently moving into senior communications and advisory positions.
Foord’s move into political strategy follows a string of major reporting achievements during her time at 7NEWS Adelaide.
In 2025, she won Best Investigative Coverage at the SA Press Club Awards for her exclusive reporting into alleged historical abuse at the Magill Training Centre during the 1990s.
The investigation prompted a high-level police inquiry and became one of the most significant South Australian investigative stories of the year.
She had earlier secured the Best TV News Report award at the 2022 SA Media Awards, further cementing her standing within the industry.
Her final months at 7NEWS Adelaide were dominated by coverage of the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont, a case that gripped South Australia.
Gus disappeared from a remote sheep station near Yunta in September 2025, sparking a massive search operation involving police, specialist trackers and the ADF.
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In February 2026, SA Police declared the case a major crime investigation, with detectives suspecting foul play by someone known to the family, although not the boy’s parents.
Foord was among the lead reporters covering the case throughout the lengthy search effort.
7NEWS Adelaide news director Mark Mooney paid tribute to Foord’s contribution to the newsroom following news of her resignation.
“In her five years with 7NEWS, Hannah has broken countless stories and covered some of the biggest police operations our state has seen – most recently the tragic search for Gus Lamont.
“Hannah is a big loss to our newsroom, but we wish her all the best with her next adventure.”
Foord described the decision to leave journalism as difficult after years working in Adelaide television newsrooms.
“I’m so grateful for my time there and for all of the wonderful colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside – people I’ll miss dearly,” she said.
“It feels like the right time for a new challenge and a fresh chapter. I’m excited to be joining a dynamic team and working with such an incredible leader in Ashton Hurn.
“A special thank you to Mark Mooney, who has been so supportive and a wonderful mentor throughout my journey, and to Rosanna (Mangiarelli) for her unwavering support and friendship as well.”
Foord’s appointment also places her inside one of the most challenging political rebuilds currently underway in Australia.
The South Australian Liberals are attempting to recover from a devastating electoral collapse while competing against a government that continues to dominate the state political landscape.
Her extensive experience across Adelaide television and radio, along with her close understanding of local media operations, is expected to form a key part of the opposition’s strategy moving forward.
The move also mirrors the career path of Adam Howard, the husband of Ashton Hurn, who previously worked as a media advisor to former federal minister Christopher Pyne.
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