Veteran ABC reporter Philip Williams retires after 46 years with the public broadcaster

Veteran ABC radio and TV reporter Philip Williams is retiring after 46 years with the public broadcaster.

He started work at the ABC in Canberra in 1975 but will be stepping down from his role as chief foreign correspondent to spend time with his family on his farm.

‘I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been given extraordinary opportunities to report around the world over a 46-year career,’ Philip said in a statement.

‘I feel so privileged to have been allowed to tell so many peoples’ stories of disaster, heartbreak and, occasionally, pure joy. I have always tried to keep front of mind my tribe – the Australian people – who have enabled my career through the ABC.’

‘Everything I’ve done, from the steps of Parliament during the dismissal in 1975 to the extraordinary defeat of Donald Trump in last year’s US election, has been a collaboration with wonderful colleagues.’

He continued: ‘I’m proud of what the camera people, the editors, the producers, the executive producers, management – and everyone else I’ve had the good fortune to work with over four and a half decades – have achieved. My work is their work and I’ve learned from the best.’

‘For all its foibles, the ABC remains the most important media institution in the nation. It is a vital part of our democracy and must be protected and preserved.’

Philip’s final day with the broadcaster will be Friday.

Philip started his career at ABC’s Canberra studio in 1975 before moving to the news department.

In 2016, he became chief foreign correspondent following his role as ABC’s Europe correspondent in London.

From 1990 to 1993, Philip was the ABC’s Tokyo Correspondent and covered the Kobe earthquake in Japan, the fall of President Suharto in Indonesia and the political crisis in Fiji in 2000.

He was also the Chief Political Correspondent for the ABC’s national radio current affairs programs and was a founding producer on Australian Story.