Canstar Editorial & Research Teams
Meet Canstar’s Editorial and Research teams
Canstar’s editorial and research teams both share a mission of empowering consumers as they navigate choosing their banking, insurance, utilities and phone providers by making these complex decisions simpler.
Our writers and editors create high quality, free content to provide consumers with a fuller picture on the products and choices when it comes to financial and household products and topics. The research team complements this by analysing thousands of products across a wide range of categories to help Australians define strong value through its Awards and Star Ratings.
Together, these teams ensure consumers have both the educational resources to understand their options and the objective data needed to compare and select the right products.
Editors
Nina Rinella, Editor-in-Chief
Nina is Canstar’s Editor-in-Chief and heads up a team of talented content creators who empower readers find the right product and take greater control of their finances. Nina has written countless articles about finance and has been interviewed on finance topics by media organisations including The Australian, Realestate.com.au, Domain, the Herald Sun and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Nina has an intimate knowledge of the media landscape as she’s worked as a journalist and has been responsible for the publicity needs of leading radio stations and television networks, including Channel 9. She is also an accomplished social media operator and content strategist and has coached dozens of brands on the most effective ways to create compelling content, and develop and leverage their channels.
Previously Nina founded her own agency where she provided content and communications support to clients around Australia for eight years. She also worked at a communications agency where she supported dozens of clients, including Vodafone, Coca-Cola Amatil and BMW. She has written for and been interviewed by countless media organisations including the Australian Financial Review, Herald Sun and The Australian.
When she’s not brainstorming ways to better serve readers, she’s raising two money-savvy tweens, searching for the perfect book club and responsibly indulging her love of thrift shopping (which involves an unhealthy love of pink homewares). Nina has a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English Literature from the University of Queensland. She’s also an experienced presenter, and has hosted numerous events and YouTube series.
Brooke Cooper, Finance Editor
Brooke Cooper is Canstar’s Finance Editor, leading the team’s coverage of home loans, consumer finance, and economics. With years of specialist experience, she dedicates herself to helping Australian households feel empowered about managing their money.
Her work and expertise have appeared across a variety of comparison industry sites and media outlets including Yahoo Finance, ABC Radio, and The Motley Fool.
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Communication, specialising in journalism and international studies, from Charles Sturt University. When she’s not keeping a close eye on the RBA cash rate or property trends, she loves getting out into nature, picnicking in the park with her dog, and window shopping in antique stores.
You can follow Brooke on LinkedIn.
Tara Donnelly, Managing Editor, Utilities and Finance
Tara is Canstar’s Managing Editor for Utilities and Finance, leading the team that focuses on energy, telecommunications and consumer technology, across news, reviews and how-tos. Tara has spent more than a decade covering these topics in Australia, the US and Canada, which means she’s written about countless product launches and industry changes, including the rise of 5G, Australia’s ongoing NBN rollout, the recent years of energy price volatility and the rise of renewable energy sources.
Tara also has long experience in writing within the comparison industry, giving her great insights into the information consumers want when determining which plan or device will best meet their needs, while time spent in the financial sector before turning her talent to content lets her crunch the numbers on price with ease. Tara leads the coverage of Canstar ratings and awards for the internet and phone sectors and is an expert at advising consumers on how to use comparison tools to find the best power, internet or phone deal.
Her expertise has seen her appear in national media including 9 News, 7 News, Sunrise, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald. Tara has been nominated for multiple awards for her technology reporting, including Canstar’s highly commended recognition for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024.
Tara has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Canberra and is passionate about simplifying complex subjects so consumers aren’t just informed, they’re connected and confident.
You can follow Tara on LinkedIn.
Meagan Lawrence, Consumer Editor
Meagan is Canstar’s Consumer Editor, where she leads the Consumer team’s coverage of home appliances, groceries, retail and more. Meagan also helps produce our famed Star Ratings, giving consumers the power to make better purchasing decisions across a wide range of products.
Meagan has more than a decade’s experience in news and content and has worked for some of Australia’s largest media organisations, including Bauer Media and Seven West Media. As a journalist and editor, she has covered news and politics, entertainment, lifestyle and food and is driven by the need to deliver readers with interesting information that both informs and empowers.
Meagan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the Queensland University of Technology. When she’s not working, you’ll find her wrangling her two young children or hiding in bed with a book.
You can follow Meagan on LinkedIn.
Alasdair Duncan, Deputy Finance Editor
Alasdair is Canstar’s Deputy Finance Editor, specialising in home loans, property and lifestyle topics. He has written more than 200 articles for Canstar and his work is widely referenced by other publishers and media outlets, including Yahoo Finance, The New Daily, The Motley Fool and Sky News. He has featured as a guest author for property website homely.com.au. In his more than 15 years working in the media, Alasdair has written for a broad range of publications. Before joining Canstar, he was a News Editor at Pedestrian.TV, part of Australia’s leading youth media group. His work has also appeared on ABC News, Junkee, Rolling Stone, Kotaku, the Sydney Star Observer and The Brag. He has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Journalism from the University of Queensland. When he is not writing about finance for Canstar, Alasdair can probably be found at the beach with his two dogs or listening to podcasts about pop music.
Jessica Pridmore, Content Editor
Jessica is Canstar’s Content Editor. With more than 12 years media industry experience, Jessica has worked across a range of fintech, travel and lifestyle publications in Australia and the UK. Her work has appeared in publications including Grazia UK, Time Out, WIRED, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Refinery29, Suncorp, Urban List and Tourism & Events Queensland. Before joining Canstar, Jessica was a Senior Communications Associate at Australian insurer Suncorp Group, covering topics from assisted relocation reform to ASX Full Year Results. Prior to this Jessica was Editor at independent media brand Urban List. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Advertising and Creative Writing from London’s Middlesex University. Away from the desk, Jessica loves outdoor adventures with her two-year old daughter, beach walks with her dogs, and finding the best ramen and dumplings in the city.
You can follow Jessica on LinkedIn.
Writers
Emma Bradstock, Senior Telco Writer
Emma Bradstock is Canstar’s Senior Telco Writer, which means she covers all things internet- and phone-related, from news about the latest smartphone releases to 5G guides, hot NBN deals and mobile and internet industry news. Her specialist area is in-depth handset reviews, in which she puts new phones to the test to determine whether their specs add up to value for money. Emma also leads Canstar’s ratings for the tech sector and plays a key role in presenting Canstar’s internet and phone ratings and awards to readers.
Emma’s passionate about helping consumers find a better deal on their phone and internet plans, along with explaining hard-to-understand topics and identifying products worth purchasing so Aussies can buy with confidence. Her experience in creating content for websites, social media, in email and on video allows her to provide this info for consumers in plenty of formats and on multiple platforms – handy when the topic is particularly tricky.
Emma’s reporting was recognised in the team’s nomination for Best Consumer Technology Coverage in 2024.
Emma has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University and over a decade of professional writing experience at print and digital media outlets and for digital agencies.
When she isn’t focused on telco content, you’ll find Emma cooking up a storm or sewing her latest quilt while listening to history podcasts and heavy metal, or maybe just binge-watching her favourite shows (she has a soft spot for streaming, especially fantasy, sci-fi and all things Marvel).
You can follow Emma via LinkedIn.
Kevin Goh, Senior Energy Journalist
As a Senior Energy Journalist at Canstar, Kevin’s specialty lies in the comprehensive and concise coverage of all things electricity, gas and solar. With a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Economics and International Relations from the University of Queensland, Kevin strives to demystify the ever-evolving energy sector for Aussies, familiarising them with the unfamiliar. He also has half a decade of experience in the comparison industry and as a professional content writer across numerous publications and digital agencies.
You can follow Kevin on LinkedIn.
Nick Whiting, Finance Writer
Nick is Canstar’s Finance Writer, providing assistance to Canstar’s Editorial Team in its mission to empower consumers to take control of their finances. Coming from a screenwriting background, Nick completed a Bachelor of Film, Television and New Media Production from Queensland University of Technology. Nick has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities. Nick’s role at Canstar allows him to combine his love of the written word with his interest in finance, having learned the art of share trading from his late grandfather. Nick strives to deliver clear and straightforward content that helps the everyday consumer navigating the world of finance. Nick is also working on a TV series in his spare time.
Vidhu Bajaj, Finance Writer
Vidhu is a Finance Writer at Canstar. She has been writing about finance topics—from car and home loans to credit cards and insurance—for over eight years at various leading financial comparison sites including RateCity. Before moving into finance, Vidhu went to law school where she studied human rights law. She has a Bachelor of Law degree and has previously worked in asset finance for Clifford Chance for more than four years. During her time at Clifford Chance, she worked in the India, London and Hong Kong offices on everything from aviation to vessel finance. In her spare time, Vidhu enjoys keeping up with the latest financial trends and spending time with her dog, Coco.
You can follow Vidhu on LinkedIn.
Jasmine Tait, Consumer Writer
Jasmine is a Consumer Writer within Canstar’s Editorial Team. Jasmine graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in Communications. Jasmine has previously edited for a variety of publications including ScratchThat magazine and Seaglass Literary. When Jasmine isn’t working, you can usually find her reading or spending time with her friends and family.
You can follow Jasmine on LinkedIn.
Our Editorial Charter
Our editorial team aims to put consumers first by producing free content that simplifies the world of finance and empowers our readers to make more informed decisions about their financial future. We:
- endeavour to be a quality source of finance content. We aim to be accurate, clear and to provide consumers with the full picture. We ensure opinion is clearly marked as such, and we offer companies and individuals a right of reply where appropriate.
- celebrate journalistic best practice. We only use reputable sources and ensure all work is peer-reviewed. We aim to be error-free, and ensure inaccuracies are corrected quickly. We have high standards when it comes to seeking the truth – whether this be through verifying data or securing our own interviews where appropriate. Learn more about our robust fact-checking and editing process.
- keep our readers at the heart of our work. We do this by ensuring decisions on what to publish as editorial content are made solely by the editorial team based on the interests of consumers. Any sponsored content will be clearly marked as such for our readers.
- are always listening to our readers. We take into account every comment left on our articles, and have made positive changes to our content based on this feedback.
- write about brands. This includes brands that advertise on our site, where we believe it is in our readers’ interest to do so. We are always happy for brands to provide feedback on our content, but the companies we feature do not have a say on the information we include in our story, unless an error is made.
- aim to inform and inspire wider discussion on finance topics that matter. We do this through responsible, fact-based journalism.
- try to showcase a wide range of opinions. We don’t shy away from exploring conflicting views.
Canstar has a talented team of journalists and writers who are specialists in their respective fields. The views and opinions they express on Canstar’s site or through other channels don’t necessarily reflect Canstar’s views. Our editorial team receives many requests from external websites who would like us to link to a page on their site. We do not provide backlinks on request, but will assess thoughtful requests on their merits. In these instances, we consider whether adding a link will add value to our work by offering more information to our readers that could help them make confident financial decisions.
Canstar Research Team
Joshua Sale, Group Manager, Research and Ratings
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance), Griffith University. Graduate Certificate in Data Science with Distinction, RMIT. Master of Data Science, Strategy and Leadership with Distinction, RMIT
Joshua Sale is Canstar’s Group Manager for the Research department, overseeing the team responsible for the calculation of Canstar’s Star Ratings and Awards, and the timely delivery of media insights.
His role includes steering the team responsible for delivering more than 60 annual award releases across Australia and New Zealand, and ensuring Canstar’s reputation as a leader in financial product comparison and expert industry analysis is continually reinforced.
Since joining Canstar in 2016, Joshua has held a number of roles including Senior Research Analyst, Ratings Manager, and media spokesperson, making him adept at demystifying the complexities of financial markets and products for a broad audience. He has been featured in prominent media outlets like the Australian Financial Review, news.com.au, and Money magazine, offering balanced, informed views on a range of financial topics.
Joshua has a passion for educating and empowering consumers and peers alike. His goal is to enhance financial literacy and decision-making, using his extensive knowledge and the power of data to guide Australians in navigating their personal finance journeys.
Connect with Joshua Sale on Linkedin.
Keely Robinson, Ratings Manager
Bachelor of Business (Finance and Marketing) with Distinction, QUT
As the Ratings Manager in Canstar’s Research department, Keely leads a team responsible for developing ratings methodologies and delivering Canstar’s flagship Star Ratings and Awards. With a strong focus on making financial products understandable and comparable for Australian consumers, Keely and her team assist consumers in navigating the intricacies of the financial products in the market.
Keely joined Canstar as a Graduate Research Analyst and has progressed into her current position, where she is responsible for the delivery of ratings across the wealth, insurance, banking, and utilities portfolios. Keely is dedicated to continuously enhancing Canstar’s methodologies to ensure our Star Ratings reflect the current market. She strives to simplify complex data, offer valuable insights, and empower consumers to make well-informed decisions regarding their personal finances. Keely also leads and contributes to strategic business initiatives to ensure continuous improvement of Canstar’s methodologies, ratings calculations and quality of underlying data.
Connect with Keely Robinson on LinkedIn.
Christian Wilkinson, Data Quality & Automation Manager
Bachelor of Mathematics (Statistics) with Distinction & Bachelor of Business (Finance) with Distinction, QUT
As the Data Quality & Automation Manager, Christian is recognised as a data champion. He leads the Data Quality & Automation team, developing and implementing tailored data collection, monitoring and validation practices to ensure the highest data quality standards to support Canstar’s operations.
Joining Canstar in 2020, Christian has significant financial product knowledge from his previous role as the Banking Portfolio Lead in the Research Team. In his current role, Christian focuses on the continuous improvement of cumbersome processes, where he seeks out innovative solutions to assist all facets of the business. He is passionate about streamlining processes, and supports everything from Canstar’s flagship Star Ratings and Awards, to the B2B data platform.
Connect with Christian Wilkinson on LinkedIn.
Breanna Gream, Research Infrastructure & Modelling Manager
Bachelors of Mathematics (Applied Computational Modelling) with Distinction & Bachelor of Business (Finance) with Distinction, QUT
As the Research Infrastructure & Modelling Manager, Breanna leads a talented team responsible for managing the Research team’s data infrastructure, developing research models and delivering media insights. Breanna’s hands-on approach involves actively optimising data systems, refining models and driving the development of advanced research methodologies. This work plays a pivotal role in enabling the efficient delivery of Canstar’s Star Ratings and Awards and insightful media content.
Since joining Canstar in 2019, Breanna has risen through the ranks to become a leading figure within the Research team. Along the way, she has led the generation of media insights, whilst also pursuing opportunities to expand her capabilities in the tech space. Breanna has also worked closely with Canstar Blue in the development and delivery of their Value Rankings and Awards.
Connect with Breanna on LinkedIn.
Grace Kinross, Consumer Research Specialist
Bachelor of Advanced Business (Marketing and Business Analytics) with Honours Class I, University of Queensland
Grace Kinross works as part of Canstar’s Research team, overseeing customer ratings across a wide range of products and services. With a double major in Marketing and Business Analytics, she brings expertise in consumer research, survey design, and data analysis.
Since joining Canstar in 2025, as a Casual Research Assistant, Grace has progressed into her current role, managing the research that informs Canstar’s consumer ratings and awards. She is passionate about uncovering the insights and factors that shape consumer attitudes and behaviour, using this knowledge to help customers make well-informed decisions.
Connect with Grace on LinkedIn.
Tom Pownall, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Business (Finance), QUT
Tom Pownall is a Research Analyst within Canstar’s research team, where he contributes to the development and delivery of Star Ratings and Awards. With a major in Finance, and minors in Economics and Accounting, Tom brings a results-driven approach to his work, combining analytical skills and a passion for financial markets and products.
Since joining Canstar in 2024, Tom has applied his education, training, and background to
contribute to the evaluation and comparison of financial products in areas such as International Share Trading, ETFs, and Superannuation. He is committed to enhancing methodologies that drive Canstar’s Star Ratings and Awards, striving to ensure results are of a meticulously high standard, with the ultimate goal of empowering consumers to confidently find the right product
from them.
Tom’s dedication to continuous learning and innovation keeps him at the forefront of product
trends and updates, while building on his technical skills in SQL, Python, and data analytics.
Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.
Amy Nghiem, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Entertainment Industries (Marketing minor), QUT
Amy is a Research Analyst in Canstar’s Data Quality & Automation team, having joined the business in 2022. She brings experience across product data and consumer research ratings, giving her a strong foundation in both data accuracy and customer-focused insights.
Amy enjoys working with large and complex datasets, and is known for her attention to detail and methodical approach. She takes pride in ensuring the quality and integrity of data, while also looking for opportunities to uncover insights that add value and support better decision-making.
Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Ellie Cross, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), University of Queensland
Ellie Cross is a Research Analyst at Canstar who is involved in the development and delivery of the company’s Star Ratings and Awards. Since joining Canstar in 2026, Ellie has used her Finance major and technical experience to bring an objective, evidence-based approach to evaluating complex financial products and markets.
Ellie’s work is centered on a singular goal: providing everyday individuals with the perspective they need to select the right financial products for their future and save money.
Fin Valentine, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Economics (International Trade and Finance), University of Queensland
Fin works across a range of financial and utility product areas as part of Canstar’s Research team, with a particular interest and expertise in the Energy and Lending markets. He contributes to the development of Canstar’s Expert Ratings and Awards by analysing product features, pricing trends and market movements.
Holding a Bachelor of Economics (International Trade and Finance) from the University of Queensland, Fin combines strong analytical capability with a passion for helping consumers make better-informed decisions. He closely monitors regulatory shifts and product developments, translating complex datasets into clear insights that support transparency and consumer confidence.
Luke Clyburn, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Griffith University
With a background in Telecommunications and Financial Planning, Luke brings a breadth of experience to his mainly insurance based portfolio of Star Ratings and Awards.
Returning to university to complete his Bachelor during Covid, Luke is passionate about
delivering actionable data to assist Australians in making informed financial decisions. Luke is delighted to discuss the minutia of each product he researches, determined to fully comprehend the details. He revels in improving efficiency, adopting new technologies and methods to better achieve high quality results.
Luke values expertise in all forms and is excited to have found a group of like minded
individuals in the Canstar Research Department.
Connect with Luke on LinkedIn.
Jeremy Cooper-Williams, Research Analyst
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and a Bachelor of Property, University of Auckland
Jeremy Cooper-Williams joined Canstar’s Ratings Team as a Research Analyst in March 2026. With a natural curiosity for how the world works, Jeremy was drawn to economics and finance early on, and now channels that into evaluating banking and financial products to help determine Canstar’s Star Ratings and product awards.
He enjoys the collaborative nature of the Ratings Team and the opportunity to uncover insights that help everyday Australians make smarter financial decisions.
Michael Jones, Research Communications Specialist
Bachelor of Communication (Journalism), Queensland University of Technology
Michael Jones is a Research Communications Specialist within Canstar’s Research team, where he draws on his journalism degree to translate the team’s analyses and methodologies into clear, accessible content for Canstar audiences.
Michael joined Canstar as a casual Data Assistant in 2023 and, after graduating, transitioned into his current role, helping shape Canstar’s evolving Research Communications function and working closely with analysts, Marketing and Editorial to turn the data behind Canstar’s Star Ratings and Awards into consumer-ready insights.
A keen adopter of new tools and technologies, Michael enjoys improving efficiency and trialling new approaches to surface Canstar’s research.
Learn more about Canstar’s Star Ratings process and about Canstar.
View our current ratings and awards.
Get in touch
If you’d like to contact us with a tip or story idea, email us at editorial@canstar.com.au
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More information
Last updated: 22/05/2026
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