I am deeply hurt by Josh Szeps’ attempt to justify Alan Jones’ behaviour (“Josh Szeps defends Alan Jones while revealing alleged advances”, November 23). As a victim of similar alleged abuse, I know how damaging such actions can be. Unlike Szeps, many of us lack the platform to speak out or defend ourselves. To hear such advances described as “playful” or “romantic” dismisses the harm and invalidates those who have suffered in silence.
Abuse is never harmless, no matter the intentions or the perpetrator’s charm or upbringing. Szeps’ framing risks silencing victims and excusing behaviour that should be condemned. His voice is loud, but what about those of us who are unheard? The charges against Jones must be taken seriously. Survivors deserve empathy and justice – not excuses that normalise abuse. Society owes its support to those without a voice, not to those who perpetuate harm.
Anthony Rowe, Leura
Josh Szeps Credit: Wolter Peeters
Josh Szeps may well have found Alan Jones’ repeated sexual advances not a big deal. However, what he describes of Jones’ behaviours is a textbook case of workplace sexual harassment: a powerful and insistent boss sexualising a workplace relationship. While seeking to defend Jones, Szeps has actually provided evidence to the prosecution that Jones habitually and wontonly violated sexual boundaries with those under his direction. Such behaviour has been unlawful in NSW since 1984. Neil Ormerod, Kingsgrove
Not identifying as a victim does not absolve an alleged perpetrator from the crimes they may have committed. I was 15 years old when I began working part-time in a commercial radio station. From day one I was preyed upon by a notorious paedophile who worked there. He is now in jail.
At the time, I didn’t possess the knowledge or life skills to identify what was occurring to, and around, me. Now, at 55, I do. Touching was one aspect of the abuse I was subjected to. Constant attempts to share a single urinal were another. Looking into the toilet cubicle, or at me in the shower recess after cycling in to work, were others again. Then there was the verbal grooming within soundproof studios that couldn’t be monitored. Words to test my boundaries and gauge my reaction. Words describing graphic sexual activities completely unknown to a teenage boy still attending secondary school. In 1985, I knew I was the subject to appalling behaviour. In 2024, I now know I was the victim of serious crimes. Andrew Gillespie, Melbourne
Sorry, Josh, but I must take issue with you. Uninvited sexual touching can never be classed as “flirting”, especially when there is an imbalance of power/age between the toucher and the touched. I’m interested in what your reaction might be if, in a few years’ time, one of your teenage children comes to you and reports a teacher/coach/boss touched them and made sexual advances. Will you tell them just to ignore it, that it is only “flirting”? Maybe, having read your views on the subject, they may not feel they can come to you for advice, the “severity” of the incident not being great enough to cause concern. Ann Cooper, Wentworthville
While many listened to Josh Szeps’ podcast on Jones and claim Josh was defending Jones, the underlying message from Szeps is that sexual harassment in the workplace continues to be rife. Some of us, like Josh, can slap the perpetrator’s hand, tell them to sod off and laugh about it. The reason the Sex Discrimination Act encompasses sexual harassment is that, for most of us, we are unable to slap the hand and laugh it off. More often than not there is a power imbalance, which the perpetrator uses to their advantage. Amanda Wilson, Turramurra
Really, Josh Szeps, you think Alan Jones should be excused for his alleged sexual assault on young men because you weren’t offended by it? That’s the same as excusing Trump’s sexual assault on women because he was just having a bit of fun. You may not have been offended by his groping, but you need to put yourself into the shoes of the young men who have come forward, many of whom could not complain because of the power Jones had. Remember one of the complainants was only 17 at the time. Even if some of these men were gay, that’s not to say they would welcome unwanted sexual touching. Time to rethink your support of Jones! Mary Lawson, Marrickville
I am pleased we have a judicial system in NSW and do not need to rely on podcasters such as Josh Szeps for justice or reasonable information. Peter Blore, Orange
Keffiyeh has history
I was shocked to read that a 17-year-old student was banned from his high school formal for wearing the Palestinian scarf to his graduation, especially given the school encouraged students to wear garments of cultural significance (“Ban on student over Palestinian scarf”, November 23). This has been an emblem of the Palestinian people for centuries. If he had been waving a Palestinian flag, that would have been political, but wearing an article of clothing is not. This episode will affect his life. I wonder if the same thing would have happened in the eastern suburbs with someone wearing a particular star. Phill Clark, Eureka
The keffiyeh is a traditional headdress worn by men from parts of the Middle East. There are many variations across the region. The iconic fishnet pattern keffiyeh was made famous by Yasser Arafat, head of the PLO/Fatah terrorist organisation in the 1960s. This particular variation is associated with Hamas and Hezbollah, the extremist Islamic jihad organisations responsible for countless terrorist attacks against Israel.
The student’s older sister claimed that the “keffiyeh is a centuries-old garment worn by my family, grandparents, great-grandparents and many others in the Palestinian community”. This is a fabrication. Palestinians in past centuries were Arabs, Druze, Bedouin and Jews who considered the region of Palestine as their geographic centre of origin, and they all referred to themselves as Palestinians. This particular keffiyeh has become the iconic symbol of Islamic terrorist organisations.
Hopefully, the Department of Education will work with staff, students and parents to educate them on the history of the region covering all ethnic groups. John Whiteing, Willoughby
The teen says he was approached twice by staff members who told him to hand over his keffiyeh.Credit: Edwina Pickles
Sad to inform you ...
The government’s bill to combat misinformation and disinformation may have gotten through the lower house, but it won’t get through the Senate (“‘Museum of political disasters’: Truth bill dies as Greens join Coalition to block it”, November 23). It was opposed by the Coalition as an attack on free speech, and by the Greens because it allowed social media companies to police themselves. We now have nothing to prevent the likes of Elon Musk from pumping out lies, as he did recently to get Donald Trump elected in the United States. That disaster will unfold over the next four years. Most would agree that allowing social media to police themselves isn’t ideal but is better than nothing.
David Pocock won’t support the bill because he favours forcing social media to open up their algorithms so we can see what’s going on under the hood. That may be ideal, but whether social media would comply with such legislation or fight it through the courts forever is uncertain. We have to hope it’s not another instance of the perfect being the enemy of the good. Gary Barnes, Mosman
Swift solution on the rails
The Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) says it won’t be pitching its 500km/h superconducting Maglev railway to Australia due to the cost, even though Australia has several of the world’s busiest air routes (“Lessons for Australia onboard the world’s fastest high-speed train”, November 23). The JR system uses electrodynamic suspension (EDS), which requires wheels at low speeds. Thus, it has disadvantages compared with the cheaper electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system used in the 450km/h capable Shanghai Maglev. This Maglev has reliably operated for more than 20 years. We could work with our major trading partner China on EMS Maglev and protect our interests, as China did when it bought the system.
Conventional high-speed trains, with their steel wheels on rails, use more energy and are more expensive to operate than the aircraft that fly between our capital cities. What we need first is a medium-speed conventional railway around the coast of Australia, from Adelaide to Cairns, as it would help address housing affordability by supporting new cities where people want to live. Peter Egan, Mosman
Poor management at the ABC
I was shocked at the brutal and very public non-renewal of Sarah Macdonald’s contract with the ABC Radio Sydney morning show, days before ABC radio management was going to launch the 2025 radio lineup, including her replacement (“The ABC doesn’t know its audience”, November 23). Is this a good reflection of the culture at the ABC, when a top-performing female broadcaster is treated in such a brutal and public way, And why is it always the women? I wonder what the ABC board and chair are thinking? Were they aware of this decision and do they endorse this treatment of a long-standing and loyal employee of the ABC? Where is the accountability of ABC management for such a decision? Sarah is an important part of Sydney radio as she is a local, very well known and much loved (witness the outpouring of support for her). She brings a warmth and energy to the radio; her perspicacity, intelligence and knowledge of Sydney is extraordinary and she undertakes an enormous amount of work in the community enhancing the ABC brand. Nicola Wakefield Evans, Paddington
ABC presenter Sarah Macdonald announced on air that she’d just learnt her contract would not be renewed next year.Credit: Graphic: Monique Westermann
As a taxpayer and longtime Radio Sydney listener, I expect a strong level of transparency when ABC management decides to sack high-performing presenters such as Sarah Macdonald and Simon Marnie. Sarah had lifted ratings on her program because she is the best, most versatile presenter the ABC has had in that timeslot for a long time. Simon Marnie is also one of the ABC’s most accomplished presenters. Why would you dump such assets? The Australian Human Rights Commission reminds us that workplace conduct that respects people’s rights includes hiring and promoting people based on their job performance, not other characteristics, and treating people with dignity. I don’t believe the ABC has conducted itself in accordance with those principles. ABC Radio supporters and taxpayers deserve a transparent and honest explanation. Debra Maynard, Coogee
Jenna Price has hit upon the real problem facing today’s ABC. That is, not just knowing its audience, but defining why it is imperative to do so. Its charter is there for a reason, to inform, educate and entertain the full diversity of the Australian population by providing the highest quality output across its platforms and genres. It’s a big ask with today’s extensive digitisation, but it does not mean “dumbing down” to (patronisingly) appeal to a younger audience. That will only make it look more like the commercials – and that could spell its end. I worked for more than 20 years in ABC operational and management areas in all states and Canberra, as well as in regional management. One thing remains constant. It is the need for “corporate knowledge” – a clear understanding and experience by management in the proper role of a public broadcaster. That’s where the ABC is falling down, leading to the sacking of broadcasters who are actually fulfilling their proper role, or the resignation of others who see the direction in which the ABC is heading. I hope new ABC chair Kim Williams can turn the ship around – but it won’t be easy. Eric Hunter, Cook (ACT)
The primary influencer for choosing programs and talent at the ABC seems to have lost their way. We have lost so much talent including Sally Loane, Simon Marnie, Linda Mottram, The Drum and now Sarah Macdonald. A capable broadcaster who has just delivered a growth in the ratings and is clearly in the prime of her career is sacked. Watch out Macca, you could be next! It no longer feels like our ABC but their ABC, whoever they may be. Even Ray Hadley thinks the ABC management has no idea. Geoff Hermon, Maraylya
Thank you, Jenna Price for your heartfelt piece on Sarah Macdonald following the news her contract has not been renewed. This is obviously her reward for so many years and loyalty to the ABC. One wonders which programs the powers that be at the ABC tune into each day. Jenna, you are not alone in agreeing with Ray Hadley for the first time ever. Many listeners would agree with the kind sentiments directed to Sarah by Ray Hadley as he leaves 2GB. Robyn Lewis, Raglan
Reading Jenna Price’s column, I discover that Simon Marnie has also been given his marching orders from ABC Radio. Two much-loved and popular presenters treated with such disdain. Absolutely shocking. Simon Marnie’s program – a wonderfully entertaining way to begin the weekend. In this world of uncertainty we need people like Sarah Macdonald and Simon Marnie to keep us on an even keel. Karin Viles, Annandale
Jenna Price’s article strikes at the heart of the mediocrity currently infecting the ABC. Her spirited defence of outstanding presenter Sarah Macdonald and other superb women is admirable, but attention ought also be drawn to the poverty of management talent at the ABC. Formerly, the national broadcaster was a de facto training ground for presenters, technicians and administrators for much of Australia’s media. Why do we have constant advertising blitzes of its own programs, before the 7pm national news? ABC watchers are intelligent enough to know what they want, so ridiculous promos are simply an unnecessary waste of air time. The Drum, an excellent, quality program, was replaced by repeats of Hard Quiz. One hopes the new ABC chair can restore the strength, intelligence and integrity that used to characterise the most respected media institution in Australia. Anthony Tucker, Leichhardt
Sarah Macdonald stalwarts seem to be of “the ABC is infallible” school, and are finding it unimaginable Sarah’s to be moved along, but as with the tired The Drum, everything/everybody has a use-by date. It also looks likely a determinedly smiling Patricia Karvelas may not be sufficient to save Q&A, which has turned into a dreary spruiking opportunity for every obscure author and never-seen-again guest with a loopy philosophy. Rosemary O’Brien, Ashfield
He also served
Peter Hartcher is mainly fair in judging Bill Shorten’s strengths and weaknesses but leaves out his exemplary behaviour since losing the 2019 election (“The best and worst of politics”, November 23). He stepped aside, leaving the leadership to Anthony Albanese and worked diligently to see him installed as PM. Andrew Macintosh, Cromer
Peter Hartcher’s stressing that democracy combines collective decision-making, trust in each other and making sacrifices for the greater good, brought to mind the concluding part of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address where he urged his listeners to be dedicated to ensuring that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”. People lose confidence in democracy and it is put at risk when our elected representatives are ruled in their decision-making by their own ambitions and self-serving factions. Paul Casey, Callala Bay
Fare thing
As a taxi-driver about 40 years ago, it was my great pleasure and honour to convey cartoonist Ron Tandberg from Sydney’s mid-North Shore to the airport (Letters, November 21). Your correspondent Fran Kirby might be pleased to learn that his conversation was as entertaining and whimsically comical as his cartoons. Fares like that one can make a cabbie’s day. Steve Cornelius, Brookvale
Tandberg cartoon, 2016Credit: Ron Tandberg
Dates with destiny
Mention of Tony Abbott and Alan Jones at an event last year to mark 10 years since Tony Abbott became PM left me bemused. Surely the celebrations should take place on September 14 next year, to mark 10 years since Abbott was deposed as PM by his own party. The electorate of Warringah might also consider festivities on May 18, 2029 to celebrate 10 years since Abbott lost the seat and made his well-earned exit from parliament.Alan Marel, North Curl Curl
Three strikes
Trump’s new nominee for attorney-general – the single, childless Pam Bondi – had better not get a cat (“Donald Trump names former defence lawyer Pam Bondi for US attorney-general”, November 22). That would be a new “three strike” federal crime in Trump/Vance land. Jennifer Giles, Elizabeth Bay
Pack drill
Just like Malcolm Knox, I also backpacked in my early 20s on the cheap, but only for nine months (“Travel well, Mr Frommer. Thanks to you, I’m a tight-arsed globetrotter”, November 23). I got addicted to backpacking, taking five further trips and spending a total of three years travelling to such exotic places as then-Stalinist Albania, the US and primitive Cambodia, where aid workers outnumbered tourists. On occasion, I’d find an abandoned dog-eared copy of a Frommer travel guide at a cheap hotel but information exchanged with other backpackers was more up to date than his books. This, of course, was before the internet was known and we carried cash and traveller’s cheques. Con Vaitsas, Ashbury
Mobile etiquette
The Japanese have much to teach us (Letters, November 23). One custom that should be emulated here, as readers’ letters make obvious, is that of not talking on mobile phones on public transport. Texting is permitted. As with other customs in Japan, it is strictly adhered to. Louise Dolan, Birchgrove
Go with the current
I am amazed at the reported problems some EV drivers apparently have outside Sydney (Letters, November 22). A few weeks back my wife and I took our three-year-old, moderately priced EV from Sydney to Adelaide and back. Between Sydney and Canberra we recharged at the service area at Sutton Forest. We then recharged at Canberra (several choices), then west through Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, Hay, Balranald, and into South Australia through Berri. On the way back we came through western Victoria, where most medium-sized towns have charging points, then home up the Hume. At only one stop did we stay overnight and charge through the motel’s powerpoint (making the appropriate payment) and at only two charging points did we have to wait for a car in front of us to finish charging. David Swain, Glenhaven
The next shot
The FBR Cafe looks like what I imagine a caffeine injecting room would be like (“The new crew creating fresh brew”, November 23). Brian Collins, Cronulla
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