Alan Jones steps down from government talent program after allegations
Broadcaster Alan Jones will step down from his role as chairman of the NSW government-backed Talent Development Project, after allegations emerged that he indecently assaulted young men.
On Thursday, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age published a lengthy article detailing allegations by five men that Jones used his position of power to indecently assault them, grope them, or inappropriately touch them without consent.
Jones has vehemently denied the allegations, and issued a statement through his lawyers, Mark O’Brien Legal, saying he had “obtained substantial factual information which contradicts and refutes the alleged pattern of conduct”. Jones’ lawyers said they intended to sue Nine Entertainment, which publishes those newspapers – and The Australian Financial Review.
Alan Jones on his network, ADH TV.
The allegations have put pressure on the various organisations in which Jones has roles. He was on the board of Venues NSW, formerly the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust, but did not reapply, and his term expired on November 30.
He also chairs the TDP, which is a creative program for musically gifted high school students. It has worked with the likes of Human Nature, ARIA-winner Paulini and original Hi Five group member, Nathan Foley. It is partly funded by the NSW Department of Education, and is free for students who are accepted into it.
On Friday afternoon, Jones confirmed he would be “standing aside” and had nothing further to say beyond what the TDP would say. TDP’s chief executive, Anne Fitzgerald, shared a statement from the organisation saying Jones would “step aside as Chair while he resolves his defamation action against the media”.
“This will allow the TDP to continue undistracted with its mission to expand and develop the creative talent of young Australian musicians,” she said.
The organisation’s deputy chair, Pam Christie, will be acting chair. The Financial Review is not suggesting that Jones’ decision to step down is an admission of wrongdoing.
It is alleged Jones inappropriately touched five men, including a former employee at 2GB, where Jones reigned as breakfast host for 18 years, the late businessman Alexander Hartman, a former waiter called Odin Childs, a young unnamed musician, and a man who alleges Jones groped his penis through his pants while he was driving in 2001.
2GB morning host Ray Hadley revealed on air on Thursday morning he had once spoken to the former 2GB employee, and had since cut all contact with Jones.
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