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Around the world in 2024, there was a continuing sense that the institutions we rely on were relentlessly failing us. So perhaps it’s unsurprising that it was a fearless piece of old-fashioned investigative journalism, exposing serious allegations against a powerful man, that prompted our readers to award a comfortable victory to Crikey’s 2024 person of the year.
There was one thing that made Alan Jones’ career of a different order; one factor that afforded him a power over Australian politics and media that other commentators, however influential, could only dream of: the fear he inspired. For decades, Jones could say whatever he wanted, however inflammatory, however violently misogynistic; he could ceaselessly bully and hector his guests and still command the attention and deference of the most powerful people in the country. While his influence had obviously waned since his slow withdrawal from the country’s media, he still counted leadership figures among his friends.
So, in a career full of hugely impactful investigations, veteran investigative reporter Kate McClymont’s fearless revelations of serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Jones stands out.
As one of Jones’ alleged victims told her, for a long time Jones was “more powerful than the prime minister”. McClymont’s work triggered a police investigation, which in turn led to Jones’ arrest in November, charged with 24 offences including aggravated indecent assault, assault with an act of indecency, sexual touching without consent, and common assault. It has now increased to 34 charges relating to 10 people. Jones has always denied any wrongdoing. He will fight the charges, telling journalists this week that the allegations are either “baseless or distort the truth”.
It’s hardly surprising that McClymont’s investigation of the allegations against Jones — which she says she undertook over a period of roughly four years — leapt to mind for so many of the high-profile journalists in Crikey’s Movers and Shakers series when we asked them about the best journalism they had recently read (it is surprising that the series didn’t score a Walkley nomination this year). But the Jones pieces weren’t the only work of hers to get a mention among her peers. Indeed, since Jones was arrested, McClymont has contributed to exposés on WiseTech founder Richard White and the circle surrounding alleged “con man” Tim Alford. The work, as ever, goes on.
McClymont told Crikey she was “surprised but extremely touched” to receive the award.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call 000.For counselling, advice and support for men in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Men in WA can contact the Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 000 599.