John Silvester is one of Australia's most respected and compelling keynote speakers on crime, corruption, and the criminal underworld. With a career spanning more than four decades as Victoria's most experienced crime reporter, John brings a razor-sharp perspective to the darker side of society. His keynote presentations are gripping, insightful, and laced with the wit and wisdom of someone who's seen it all-from gangland wars to Royal Commissions.
Best known as the co-author of the bestselling Underbelly series-which inspired the blockbuster TV franchise-John has written, edited, and published over 30 true crime books, with more than a million copies sold. His work has earned accolades across print, radio, television, and online media, including Walkley, Quill, and Ned Kelly awards. A member of the Australian Journalism Hall of Fame, John is also the senior crime reporter at The Age and the radio voice behind "Sly of the Underworld" on 3AW.
As a keynote speaker, John regularly presents at major police, legal, judicial, and corporate conferences. His sessions offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at real-life investigations, criminal psychology, and the blurred lines between justice and corruption. Whether addressing elite squads or corporate boardrooms, John delivers hard-hitting insights with sharp humour and a journalist's instinct for a good story.
Testimonials
Unbelievably Fantastic.
Municipal Works Officers Association
John Silvester was fabulous! Every time John spoke the room was silent, every person was facing him listening. Incredible! Amazing speaker.
Property Council of Australia
John Silvester hit the mark perfectly. The audience of CEOs we assembled were fascinated with his insights into the world of crime - he was highly informative and very witty - a great mix which created a lot of laughter - perfect for the evening dinner he spoke over. We very much enjoyed working with him.
CEO Forum Group
John Silvester's presentation this morning was just terrific. He indeed has a riveting story. Feedback from the staff has been hugely positive and we are all amazed with/by his story.
Dept of Education
Outstanding. Informative, enlightening, entertaining, fantastic presentation and so easy to work with. I cannot wait to have John Silvester present at another of my events.
Conference Organising Group
John Silvester captivated the audience with his stories of the underworld. Very enjoyable and easy to listen to.
FinPro
Great audience feedback on John's presentation. He had everyone captivated with his fascinating truce crime stories.
Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia
John was excellent, he was very well received, professional and very generous with his time.
FAST (Finance & Systems Technology Pty Ltd)
Very positive comments received - not one negative which is hard to achieve with a large mixed audience. Would highly recommend John as 'simply entertaining'
Victorian Water Industry Association
John was FANTASTIC. I only wish I had another event coming up that would allow me to rebook him.
Association of Land Development Engineers
John's session was riveting, entertaining and humourous - excellent!
Melbourne Body Corporate Conference
