Peter van Onselen is leaving Paramount-owned 10 and his role as political editor on the network after joining in December 2018.
Van Onselen, who has previously taught at Edith Cowan University, is reportedly returning to academia in a full-time role as a professor in politics and public policy at the University of Western Australia, according to The Australian.
During his time with 10, van Onselen led coverage on two federal elections and, from 2020, was co-host of The Project, where he provided daily political news.
While his focus will be on academia, van Onselen will continue writing his political columns at The Australia, where he has been contributing editor since 2009.
On Twitter, it seems Van Onselen has already settled into his post-TV roles, with his bio now reading “Winthrop Professor of Politics & Public Policy, UWA Business School” and “Columnist, The Weekend Australian”.
Van Onselen’s departure from The Project and 10 comes after a number of its stars have left the current affairs program in recent months.
In October, Carrie Bickmore announced her departure from the show after 13 years on the desk alongside original hosts Charlie Pickering and Dave Hughes.
“It’s been the hardest decision of my professional life but it’s time for a new challenge and my next chapter. I am going to miss my best mates on the desk, the job itself which is so incredibly fulfilling and our wonderful viewers so much,” she said at the time.
In November, Lisa Wilkinson also announced on that she will be stepping back from hosting The Project, effective immediately.
“I have decided that it’s time to reprioritise a few things in my life… So from tonight, I’m stepping back from hosting the show,” Wilkinson said.
She continued: “To be clear, I’m not leaving 10 and we’re looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead. But I also have to be honest with you, the last six months have not been easy, and the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll – not just on me, but on people I love.”
Then just days later, Peter Helliar announced he would also be leaving the show after nearly 8 years at the desk. He told viewers that the move was something that had been on his mind for a while.
“People will read in the situation where they want to read into it, but I feel like I need to create some space for some projects that I want to work on.
“I feel like there are some things, some new areas that I’m going into hopefully next year that I need to be present for. I don’t want to be a creator who is leaving meetings to go to another meeting.
See also: The Project welcomes Sarah Harris as a new co-host
–
Top image: Peter van Onselen