Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones is facing dozens of charges after allegedly indecently assaulting a series of victims over a near-20-year period.
The 83-year-old, once one of Australia’s most powerful media figures, was taken into a police station in the back of an unmarked car on Monday morning to answer historical allegations involving eight people.
The complex, months-long police investigation culminated in his arrest as investigators searched his luxurious unit overlooking Sydney Harbour at Circular Quay.
Investigators later confirmed he had been charged with 24 offences, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
Jones also faces nine counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexually touching a person without consent and another two counts of common assault.
Jones was granted conditional bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on December 18.
The youngest of the complainants was 17 when the alleged assault took place, police said.
Jones’ arrest followed a months-long investigation into allegations aired in Nine newspapers the talkback host repeatedly used positions of power to abuse young men.
Authorities anticipated other alleged victims could come forward following Jones’ arrest, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb earlier said.
“This is a result of a very long, thorough, protracted investigation … I did visit the strike force some weeks and months ago to look at the work that they have been doing, it is very complex and protracted,” she said.
“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated … what I’d say to victims is that there is no better time to come forward than now and you will be listened to and we will take your matter seriously.”
In December 2023, Jones’ lawyer Mark O’Brien denied the allegations on his client’s behalf.
“Our client denies ever having indecently assaulted the persons referred to … and (the) suggestion that he has is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him,” he said in a statement at the time.
Jones is now represented by Bryan Wrench of Murphy’s Lawyers.
Police said the arrest followed a near-nine-month investigation.
“In March 2024, State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019,” a statement said.
Jones began broadcasting in 1985 after a failed political career and became a feared interviewer capable of grilling leaders while dominating the airwaves with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings juggernaut.
His many controversies included suggesting former prime minister Julia Gillard’s father “died of shame” and encouraging former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern to be hit “with a few backhanders”.
Jones most recently broadcast via digital platform ADH TV but he has not been on-air since November 2023, shortly before the indecent assault allegations were published.
He coached the Australian national men’s rugby team between 1984 and 1988, with his tenure including a number of historic achievements for the side.
They included leading the Wallabies to a grand slam of wins on their British Isles tour in 1984 and coaching the side to Australia’s first Bledisloe Cup win in New Zealand in 39 years in 1986.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
