Jones 'calm' before storm, bailed on indecent assaults

Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones was "calm" when police showed up at his multi-million dollar harbourside apartment to arrest him decades after the first indecent assault he allegedly committed.

It's alleged the 83-year-old, once one of Australia's most powerful media figures, continued to offend against multiple people over an 18-year period.

The youngest alleged victim was a teenager and another was employed with the broadcaster when he allegedly indecently assaulted them.

A third alleged victim had never met him before.

"We will allege the accused knew some of them personally, some of them professionally, and we will also allege that some of the victims, when the alleged offence took place, was the first time they ever met the accused," NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald told reporters.

After years of rumours, innuendo and media investigations, police charged Jones on Monday with 24 offences against eight victims, allegedly committed between 2001 and 2019.

More could follow as the police taskforce investigating allegations against the broadcaster continues its work.

Jones was taken into a police station in the back of an unmarked car to answer the historical allegations.

"I have been told that he was quite calm and did seek some legal advice ... I really wouldn't want to speak for him," NSW Police child abuse squad commander Linda Howlett told reporters.

Jones has been granted conditional bail awaiting court on 24 offences, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.

Another nine counts of indecent assault, two of unwanted sexual touching and two common assault charges have been alleged.

Jones is expected to appear at 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.

Police confirmed more victims came forward following those reports, which led to the taskforce being set up.

Commissioner Karen Webb recently visited to check on the investigation.

"It is very complex and protracted," she said.

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 then.

Jones is now represented by Bryan Wrench of Murphy's Lawyers, who attended the police station on the broadcaster's behalf but has not commented on the allegations.

Police said the arrest followed a near-nine-month investigation.

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 union team between 1984 and 1988, with his tenure including a number of historic achievements for the Wallabies.

They included leading them 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