Fallouts forgotten as pollies race to praise Alan Jones

Figures from across the political divide have paid tribute to Alan Jones.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott and radio broadcaster Alan Jones in 2018. Picture: AAP

By the time he arrived in the mainstream media in the mid-1980s, Alan Jones already had a sharply tuned political ­antennae, having cut his teeth as former prime minister Malcolm Fraser’s speechwriter.

But his foray into talkback radio elevated his profile into the stratosphere, where it remained for more than three decades, ­allowing him to wield enormous influence in political circles.

As word of his looming retirement spread on Tuesday morning, figures from across the political divide paid tribute to his long and controversial career.

Scott Morrison, who Jones ­attacked on-air last October over drought relief, was one of many leaders who called in to 2GB to wish the broadcaster well.

“We’ve had one or two disagreements but you’ve always done the right thing by your country and we’re very proud of that,” the Prime Minister said.

Anthony Albanese said Jones was a complex character with a remarkable career. “I always felt when I was talking to Alan Jones — and some people said I shouldn’t talk to him — I was talking to his listeners as well,” the Opposition Leader said.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott, who had once found a staunch supporter in Jones, said the broadcaster’s retirement was the end of an era.

“In many respects, you were the voice of middle Australia. You were the person who would stand up for the battler, the person who would articulate what millions of people were thinking but couldn’t quite bring themselves to say,” Mr Abbott said.

Hugely influential in the Liberal Party, Jones’s power was perfectly illustrated when former NSW premier Mike Baird chose to visit the outspoken radio host, who had been one of his most vocal critics, in October 2016 on the eve of announcing an excruciating backflip on the state’s greyhound racing ban.

Former prime minister John Howard also praised the broadcaster.

“I have always admired his candour, and a prodigious ­capacity to be on top of any issue he canvassed,” Mr Howard said.

“Pity help anyone who agreed to an interview with Alan without knowing his or her subject.”

Mr Howard said that, away from the microphone, Jones had given generously of his time.

“A free, open and sceptical media is fundamental to the ­proper functioning of democracy,” Mr Howard said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian congratulated the veteran broadcaster on his successful ­career and later called in to 2GB to discuss Jones’s departure with him.

“You’re to blame for this ­because you keep running around saying we must listen to the experts, so I listened to the ­experts,” Jones joked with the Premier, referencing Ms Berejiklian’s advice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Berejiklian replied: “First time in your life, Alan, listening to the experts!”