It would be easy to look back on 2015 as a year filled with conflict, aggression and some truly horrible events. But from challenge comes resilience and persistence, optimism and energy.
These are qualities that Mamamia’s Men of the Year have in spades.
Here they are, in no particular order.
Peter Greste
Peter Greste started 2015 in an Egyptian prison on trial for doing his job. Freed, but not off the hook, in February Greste came home and began a long and unwavering campaign to fight for the freedom of his Al Jazeera colleagues and for his own charges to be dismissed.
At the same time, he spoke out for press freedom around the world, and challenged the federal government directly on its plans for increased data surveillance and a lack of transparency in offshore detention centres.
In September while filming a television segment, Greste learned his colleague Mohamed Fahmy had been pardoned. His response was caught on film and is one of the loveliest things you’ll ever see.
Waleed Aly
Already well known for his sharp and thoughtful commentary, lawyer, academic and co-host of The Project Waleed Aly spent 2015 leading national opinion on issues including laws that could silence critics of the Federal Government’s refugee policy, terrorism and climate change.
Top Comments
If Facebook paid its taxes, Zuckerberg, that could fund parental leave for a helluva lot of Australians. Not a good role model at all, Mamamia!
And Turnbull.
Excellent choices, with the exception of Turnbull!
Malcolm is about the only good choice.