Days after being accused of assaulting a reporter, former federal Treasurer Peter Costello has resigned from his position as chairman of Nine Entertainment.
The resignation comes hot on the heels of an alleged assault of The Australian Journalist Liam Mendes at Canberra Airport.
Mr. Costello denies the allegation.
A video of the incident has surfaced, where Mr. Costello appears to collide into Mr. Mendes, who is filming the interaction. Mr. Mendes is then seen on the ground while Mr. Costello continues walking.
However, the alleged assault by Mr. Costello cannot be clearly seen in the clip, and footage from a different angle, such as CCTV, has not been released.
Mr. Costello maintains his innocence, telling reporters that Mr. Mendes had tripped over an advertising sign while walking backwards.
“I walked past him, he walked back into an advertising placard and he fell over,” he said.
“I did not strike him ... if he’s upset about that, I’m sorry, but I did not strike him.”
Mr. Mendes was confronting Mr. Costello over a series of questions about Nine, including allegations of harassment and inappropriate behaviour at the network and questions about Nine’s CEO, Mike Sneesby.
The incident comes after a tumultuous few days for Nine Entertainment, which acknowledged complaints over former news chief Darren Wick. He was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour, leading to him leaving the network after 29 years.
Mr. Costello was appointed to the position in 2016 and oversaw the strategic direction of the company as part of a broader effort to strengthen leadership and navigate an evolving media landscape.
In a statement on his resignation, Mr. Costello said the board had shown their support throughout the recent events.
“But going forward, I think they need a new chair to unite them around a fresh vision and someone with the energy to lead to that vision for the next decade,” he said.
“I thank the board for their support over the last decade and particularly during the events of the last few weeks.”
Harassment Allegations
The allegations at Nine Entertainment have raised questions about the company’s workplace culture and management practices.Coupled with the allegations against Mr. Wick, Adrian Foo, the former boss of streaming service Stan, resigned last year after allegations of bullying and inappropriate physical contact with five staff members.
In response, the board announced on May 30, that it will be taking steps via a company-wide survey to gauge the extent of allegations, investigate complaints, revise policies, and support victims.
“It is critical we face up to any failings with integrity and create a workplace that is respectful and positive for all,” read a statement from the Nine board, which was signed by Mr. Costello, Nine CEO Mike Sneesby, and Director of People and Culture Vanessa Morley.
Consulting firm Intersection, which specialises in creating safe and respectful workplaces, will conduct workplace training with all staff.
With Mr. Costello’s resignation, Deputy Chair Catherine West has assumed his position in the interim.
