[9] Walters was the driving force of the awards, working as the event director for 10 years and playing a leading role in raising funds for journalists in hardship and charities in the wider community until organising his last gala ceremony in November 2021, after accepting a position as Brisbane Bureau Chief for Sky News Australia.

[11] Although former NSW Labor Premier Barrie Unsworth said Campbell's actions were "deplorable" for exposing himself to "blackmail and compromise"[12] the story was criticised by other sections of the media and by politicians.

The reports included assertions from Sydney businessman Charif Kazal that the inquiry had "destroy[ed]" his reputation, by providing a forum for "baseless" and "false" allegations that he had engaged in corrupt conduct.

The first report included a claim from Mr Kazal that the ICAC commissioner at the time was aware there was no evidence to support the allegations, which were not the subject of any recommendation for prosecution.

[20] Fairfax Media reported:[21] The outgoing acting inspector of NSW's anti-graft watchdog has recommended winding back the agency's ability to label people "corrupt" because he says an aspect of the power "undermines the presumption of innocence".

Legislation governing the Independent Commission Against Corruption states that such a finding can be made if a person's actions "could" adversely affect those of a public official or authority.

"[23] On November 29 2023 Walters reported on Sky News Australia that the UNHRC had found ICAC had violated Mr Kazal’s human rights, and recommended he be compensated by the Australian Government.

[27][28][29] Buck was never charged after the same allegations - examined by the Royal Commission - were made to a NSW police taskforce, suddenly disbanded just weeks after its investigations began in the months following the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

[30] Walters has co-authored four books, Nightmare on Norfolk,[31] about the murder of Janelle Patton, and The Accidental Gangster – the Life and Times of Bela Csidei,[32] The Face Without A Name - Finding Jane Doe[33] and Cold Cases.