Lisa Wilkinson, Peter FitzSimons’ daughter Billi, 24, is appointed editor of The Daily Aus

Billi FitzSimons, the daughter of high-profile journalists Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons, is continuing her family’s legacy with her appointment as editor of youth news website The Daily Aus.

‘I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as editor at The Daily Aus!’ FitzSimons, 24, said in a brief statement announcing her promotion.

The University of Sydney graduate had joined the website, which describes itself as ‘Australia’s leading social-first news service’, last September as a political journalist.

FitzSimons began her journalism career when she was still at university in 2017, after being hired as an editorial intern at Mamamia, the women’s website founded by Wilkinson’s friend and protégé Mia Freedman.

She was later given a full-time job as an editorial assistant before being promoted to senior news writer in April 2021, a position she held for just five months before moving to The Daily Aus where she quickly rose through the ranks.

In her role as editor, FitzSimons will be responsible for helping guide the website’s editorial output for its audience of young Australians, reports Mediaweek. 

Start: FitzSimons began her journalism career when she was still at university in 2017, after being hired as an editorial intern at Mamamia, the women’s website founded by Wilkinson’s friend and protégé Mia Freedman (right)

Legacy: The appointment is notable given that Wilkinson had a similar rise through the media ranks in her early twenties. The Project host, who grew up in Campbelltown, was an intern at Dolly magazine at age 19 before being promoted to its editor two years later. (Pictured in 2019) 

In addition to its website, The Daily Aus is known for its podcasts and Instagram posts that break down major news events for young readers.

FitzSimons hosted The Daily Aus’ election podcast series Young, Dumb & Informed, which has since been renamed No Silly Questions.

The appointment is notable given that Wilkinson had a similar rise through the media ranks in her early twenties.

The Project host, who grew up in Campbelltown, in south-west Sydney, was an intern at Dolly magazine at age 19 before being promoted to its editor two years later.

She jumped ship to rival magazine Cleo just four years later.

Billi’s father is Peter FitzSimons, a journalist, commentator and leader of the Australian Republic Movement who has written several best-selling history books.