After five years, thousands of coffees, and more early-morning alarms than you could poke a stick at, Lisa Millar is farewelling News Breakfast. It comes almost exactly five years to the day since she started as the flagship morning news show's co-host, alongside Michael Rowland, on August 19, 2019.
Since then, Millar has reported on and presented news on major events including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Summer bushfires, Queen Elizabeth II's death, devastating flooding in Lismore, numerous elections and countless more stories from Australia and abroad.
Connecting with the audience and forming a rapport is part of the Breakfast brief, and Millar says that's one aspect she'll remember most. “I just want to say thank to so many people who messaged me personally who we interviewed over the years,” she said on her final day on the program. “I want to give a shout-out to Mick, whose mum passed away from COVID during that period. Mick said, when he came on the program and he chatted to us from his home, he felt like he was talking to an old friend. It's just been lovely to get those comments. Thank you.”
When she hangs up the microphone on Friday it'll also mark the end of her esteemed 35-year news career, in which she has left her mark as one of the ABC's longest-serving foreign correspondents. Kicking off her journalism career at the Gympie Times in 1988, Millar joined the ABC in 1993 and went on to establish herself as one of the finest journalists in the country.
Prior to joining News Breakfast in 2019, she enjoyed a storied career overseas, serving as bureau chief in both the US and Europe, where she covered a wide range of stories, from extraordinary global turmoil to major celebrations. In 2021, her memoir Daring to Fly was published – charting her path from a childhood in Kilkivan, rural Queensland, to foreign correspondent and national broadcasting.
Over the years on News Breakfast, Millar has interviewed politicians, pop stars, Olympians – even her childhood idol, legendary soul singer Gladys Knight. “In 35 years of journalism I've never done anything so exciting, unpredictable, and fun,” she said. “It's only worked because of the awesome team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing.”
Millar is staying on as a presenter at the ABC – switching her focus and her talents over to Muster Dogs and Back Roads. “I'm excited to hit the road and discover more of the incredible stories that make up the remarkable tapestry of our culture,” she said. “There are so many adventures ahead, whether it be with Back Roads, Muster Dogs, or new projects we're cooking up. What a privilege it is to be a part of that future.”
Millar said Muster Dogs was a huge change from presenting. Breakfast television certainly isn't for the faint-hearted – the producers start rolling into the newsroom at 2am, with the presenters following soon after that. But as the production team will attest, Millar would arrive at the studio every morning with a positive attitude, greeting the team with a smile, and always available for a chat.
“I could not have done it without you all,” she said. “Everyone will be back on Monday! I'll be heading off on Muster Dogs and Back roads worlds. But keep watching, because this is an awesome team. I've loved sharing breakfast with you all.”
However, Millar's final day was overshadowed by the announcement of the ABC's Managing Director, David Anderson's resignation. Anderson confirmed his exit after more than three decades at the ABC and only one year following his reappointment to the role for another five-year term on Thursday.
“Talk about trying to upstage me. Managing Director David Anderson, good morning to you,” Millar said as she welcomed Anderson to the program. “Of course I have to say thank you so much for everything you’ve done for the ABC,” Anderson said. “Your role on News Breakfast, you will be missed. (It’s) wonderful that Bridget Brennan is coming in, but we do wish you all the best. You go with our thanks. The nation loves you, so I’m glad you’re staying on with the ABC and we’ll see you on with other programs.”
Millar, who has worked with the network since 1998, confirmed her next steps as she announced she would be taking on a new job with the content division of the ABC. While her final day on air was marked with an emotional farewell from her colleagues and the audience, it seems that her exit was overshadowed by the unexpected news of Anderson's resignation. This has left many speculating about the future of the ABC and the potential impact of both these departures on the national broadcaster.
Millar's departure from News Breakfast marks the end of an era for the program. She has been a fixture on the show since 2019 and her departure has left a void that will be difficult to fill. However, Millar is looking forward to her new role with the ABC and the opportunity to explore new stories and projects. As she moves on to new adventures, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a deep connection with the audience who have come to know and love her.
