Alan Jones (talkback host)

Alan Jones
Born	(1941-04-13) April 13, 1941 Oakey, Queensland, Australia
Occupation(s)	Broadcaster, rugby union coach, rugby league coach, educator, speechwriter
Years active	1961–present
Known for	Sydney breakfast radio host on 2GB (2002–2020), head coach of Australia national rugby union team (1984–1988)

Alan Belford Jones (born 13 April 1941) is a retired Australian broadcaster known for his work as a talkback radio host, as well as a coach and administrator in both rugby union and rugby league. His career also includes roles as an educator, speechwriter for Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, and involvement in musical theatre. Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Queensland and obtained a teaching diploma from Worcester College, Oxford. Throughout his career, he has been honored with several awards from civil and industry organizations.

From 2002 until 2020, Jones was the host of a prominent Sydney breakfast radio show on station 2GB. His program, marked by conservative commentary, established him as one of Australia’s highest-paid and most influential media personalities, though his style often sparked controversy. Media regulators have issued adverse rulings regarding his on-air behavior, and he has been the subject of multiple defamation claims. Jones concluded his tenure at 2GB in May 2020. Later, in November 2021, Sky News Australia chose not to renew his contract. Since December 2021, he has been presenting Alan Jones: Direct to the People on ADH TV.

In November 2024, Jones was taken into custody and charged with twenty-six offenses involving eight alleged victims spanning the years 2001 to 2019. These charges include aggravated indecent assault and non-consensual sexual touching. The youngest person implicated was reportedly 17 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Additional charges concerning further alleged victims were filed in November and December 2024. On 18 December 2024, Jones entered pleas of not guilty to all accusations. In March 2025, an extra count of indecent assault was brought forward related to an eleventh alleged victim.

Early life and career

Born to Charlie Thomas (1906–90), a farmer and coal miner, and Elizabeth ("Beth", née Belford; 1906–82), a former schoolteacher, Alan Jones was the middle child among three siblings. His older brother Robert Charles and younger sister Colleen both pursued careers in education. Raised on a dairy farm near Oakey in southeastern Queensland, he attended Acland State School before becoming a boarder at Toowoomba Grammar School.

Following secondary education, Jones undertook teacher training at Kelvin Grove Teachers College—currently part of Queensland University of Technology—in Brisbane. He began teaching at Ironside State School in Brisbane in 1961. By 1963, he was employed at Brisbane Grammar School, where he remained until 1969 while simultaneously completing a Bachelor of Arts degree part-time at the University of Queensland, graduating in 1967. During this period, Jones also achieved success coaching athletics, tennis, and rugby union teams.

In 1970, Jones accepted the position of Senior English Master at The King's School, Parramatta in Sydney. He attained notable achievement coaching sports teams there, including guiding the First XV rugby union team to an undefeated championship season in 1974. However, he resigned early in 1975 amid reported conflicts and allegations concerning his conduct.

After leaving The King's School, Jones sought political office with the Country Party in Canberra but did not succeed. Subsequently, he managed a small airline based in Quirindi, New South Wales while continuing to coach rugby locally. Between 1976 and 1977, Jones studied at Worcester College, Oxford in England where he earned a diploma in educational studies and was awarded a university Blue for tennis.

Upon returning to Sydney in 1978, Jones ran unsuccessfully for state parliament as a candidate for the Liberal Party. He then served as a speechwriter for NSW opposition leader John Mason before moving on to write speeches for Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser in Canberra until 1981. Returning once again to Sydney, he became executive director of the New South Wales Employers' Federation prior to launching his radio broadcasting career in 1985.

In October 1985, Jones was honored with the Rostrum Speakers' Award as Communicator of the Year.

Political ambitions

In 1974, Doug Anthony, then leader of the Country Party (currently known as the National Party of Australia), extended an offer to Jones for a role in Canberra. The following year, Jones attempted to gain preselection for the Federal electorate of Eden-Monaro but did not succeed.

By 1978, Jones stood as the Liberal candidate for the New South Wales state seat of Earlwood, a constituency formerly held by ex-Liberal leader Sir Eric Willis. Despite Earlwood being regarded as a secure seat, he was defeated. He ran again in the same seat during the 1978 state election but lost by an even wider margin.

In 1979, Jones sought Liberal preselection for the federal Division of North Sydney, finishing third. After the initial winner was disendorsed, Jones chose not to re-enter the race; John Spender eventually secured preselection and won the seat. Later, in 1986, Jones put forward his nomination for Liberal preselection in the federal Division of Wentworth but withdrew his candidacy. John Hewson went on to win both preselection and the seat.

Rugby union

Jones entered semi-professional rugby in 1982 as a part-time manager for the New South Wales Waratahs. The next year, he led the Manly Rugby Union team to their first Shute Shield championship in over three decades.

In February 1984, Jones was appointed head coach of Australia's national rugby union team, the Wallabies. Over four years, he guided them to 86 victories from 102 games, including 23 wins out of 30 Test matches. His leadership saw the recruitment of prominent players such as Peter FitzSimons and Nick Farr-Jones. That same year, Australia completed a Grand Slam by defeating England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and a Barbarians squad. In 1985, he received the Coach of the Year award from the Confederation of Australian Sport.

During his tenure, Australia captured the Bledisloe Cup on New Zealand soil in 1986 for the first time in 39 years. In recognition of his services to rugby, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 and inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989.

In October 2007, Jones publicly showed interest in returning as Wallabies coach following endorsement from Queensland Rugby Chairman Peter Lewis; however, the Australian Rugby Union selected New Zealander Robbie Deans for the position.

Jones coached the Barbarians side during their 2017 fixtures against both the Classic Wallabies and current Wallabies in Sydney as part of that year’s end-of-year international rugby series.

Rugby league

In 1990, Jones took over from Warren Ryan as coach of the Balmain Tigers rugby league team without receiving payment. Although Balmain had been runners-up in both the 1988 and 1989 New South Wales Rugby League premierships, under Jones’s guidance they struggled to perform well—contradicting his assertion that "Balmain are sick and tired of coming second." During this period, comedian Greig Pickhaver nicknamed him 'Parrot,' a moniker Jones has consistently rejected.

Jones’s coaching record at Balmain from 1991 to 1993 was as follows: in 1991, eight wins securing 12th place; in 1992, ten wins placing them 10th; and in 1993, five wins resulting again in 12th position. After his business plan was declined and his contract was not renewed, he resigned and accepted a role as Manager of Football Operations with the South Sydney Rabbitohs—also on a voluntary basis.

Radio

Jones initiated his radio journey in 1985 as the morning host on Sydney's AM station 2UE, stepping in for John Laws. Upon Laws' return in 1988, Jones transitioned to the breakfast show slot (5:30 am to 9:00 am), adopting "Gloria" by Laura Branigan as the program’s theme music. By the mid-1990s, he attracted up to a 22% share of Sydney’s radio audience, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most popular broadcasters.

His show combines commentary, interviews, listener call-ins, and advertising endorsements. Recognized for promoting conservative perspectives, Jones is regarded as one of Australia’s most influential and well-compensated media figures. Although frequently characterized as a 'shock jock', he dismisses this label.

In January 1993, Jones sparked controversy by criticizing Aboriginal Australian Mandawuy Yunupingu’s Australian of the Year recognition and subsequently engaged in a contentious exchange with Indigenous activist Charles Perkins concerning Aboriginal land rights and taxation issues.

From 1990 through 1997, Jones earned Commercial Radio Australia's Australian Radio Talk Personality of the Year award seven times. In 2001, he was honored with both the Centenary Medal and the Australian Sports Medal for his contributions to broadcasting and sport.

Jones shifted to 2GB in 2002 as the breakfast presenter and reportedly acquired an ownership stake in the station. Despite a decline from his peak audience due to competition from ABC Radio 702 in later years, he preserved Sydney’s largest breakfast radio market share: 19.2% in 2011 and approximately 18.5% in 2012. By February 2013, his share had decreased to 15.4%.

In November 2014, Jones marked a milestone by holding Sydney’s highest breakfast radio share for 100 consecutive rating periods.

He departed from 2GB in May 2020 citing health reasons; however, reports indicate his exit followed significant advertiser withdrawals linked to contentious remarks about New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that adversely affected his program’s revenue.

Print

Jones commenced his media career penning the column "The Way I See It" for the Quirindi Advocate between November 1977 and February 1978. From 1988 to 1990, he regularly contributed columns to Sydney's The Sun-Herald, until being dismissed after publishing an article forecasting an oil crisis that heavily drew from Frederick Forsyth's novel The Negotiator without proper credit. Subsequently, he authored "To the Point" for rival publication The Sunday Telegraph until 1995. Since the 1980s, Jones has been a frequent subject of Australian media profiles ranging from supportive to critical perspectives.

Television

In January 1994, Jones debuted his own television program on Network Ten, titled Alan Jones Live, inspired by Larry King Live. The series was canceled after only thirteen weeks due to low ratings. Between March 1995 and June 2007, he provided editorial commentary on the Nine Network's morning show Today.

Beginning in 2013, Jones co-hosted the political talk show Richo + Jones on Sky News Australia alongside Graham Richardson. The program achieved significant viewership milestones, ranking among top subscription TV broadcasts in April and June of 2014. Later renamed Jones & Co, it featured Peta Credlin as co-host. In November 2021, Sky News chose not to renew Jones’ contract, resulting in his first absence from mainstream media platforms.

Since December 2021, Jones has been co-hosting a political discussion series on ADH TV, a free digital streaming service.

Stage

Jones ventured into musical theatre in 2012, taking on the role of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Sydney-based production of Annie at the Lyric Theatre.

Charity work

Jones is well-known for his commitment to various charitable causes, contributing through donations, personal engagements, and speaking events. He has notably provided both professional guidance and financial aid to young elite athletes. In recognition of his contributions to media, sports administration, and philanthropy, Jones was named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2004. Among the organizations he supports are Youth Off The Streets, the Children's Hospital, Starlight Children's Foundation, the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation, and the Heart Research Institute.

Views and comments

Having once sought Liberal Party preselection and served as an adviser to Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Jones is a vocal advocate for conservative political views within Australia. He has occasionally worked alongside politicians from different parties to promote shared political objectives.

Jones disputes the extent of human-driven climate change and criticizes government policies related to carbon taxation. His radio broadcasts have featured climate change skepticism, including challenging the established scientific consensus on carbon dioxide's impact. He endorses the Galileo Movement, which questions mainstream climate science. After the 2010 Federal Election, Jones condemned Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s introduction of a carbon pricing scheme as a breach of an election promise. In 2012, the Australian Communications and Media Authority reprimanded him for disseminating inaccurate information about carbon dioxide and required him to undergo training focused on factual accuracy.

He has opposed traffic management measures implemented by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, arguing that they disrupt commuters and negatively affect local businesses. In 2011, Jones publicly criticized Moore alongside Julia Gillard and Greens leader Bob Brown, comments that drew rebuke from media analysts.

Jones supports increasing Australia's irrigation systems and dam infrastructure while opposing the 2006 initiative to privatize the Snowy Mountains Scheme. In 2011, he voiced disapproval of the Gillard government's approach to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, citing insufficient engagement with stakeholders.

He campaigns against coal seam gas extraction in key agricultural regions due to concerns over food security risks, addressing this topic at the National Press Club in 2011.

In August 2019, Jones faced backlash after suggesting that Prime Minister Scott Morrison should "shove a sock down [the] throat" of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern following her climate change remarks at the Pacific Islands Forum. His statement was widely condemned by figures including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Morrison himself. This controversy led several companies to withdraw advertising from Jones' 2GB program. Subsequently, Jones issued an apology to Ardern for his language.

Additionally, he is a strong critic of foreign investment in Australia, with particular concern regarding Chinese ownership.

Controversy over "Died of shame" remarks

In September 2012, Alan Jones ignited widespread outrage after stating at a Sydney University Liberal Club event that Prime Minister Julia Gillard was dishonest and insinuating that her father had "died of shame" because of her. These comments drew condemnation from across the political landscape, with numerous politicians and media commentators criticizing Jones. Although he issued a public apology admitting he had "got it wrong," Gillard declined to accept his apology.

The incident escalated as representatives from both Labor and Liberal parties responded, with some connecting the episode to Gillard's later "Misogyny Speech." Labor attempted to link Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party to Jones's statements, while the opposition accused Labor of leveraging the situation for political advantage.

The repercussions extended into the commercial sphere. A number of sponsors withdrew their advertisements from Jones's program following social media-driven boycott movements. Prominent corporations such as Telstra, Woolworths, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Coles ceased their support. In reaction, Macquarie Radio Network halted all advertising on Jones's 2GB show to protect advertisers from activist pressures. Jones described the backlash as "cyber bullying." The boycott was estimated to have cost Macquarie Radio between $1 million and $1.5 million, with some advertisers pledging never to return.

COVID-19

During March 2020, as COVID-19 cases increased in Australia, Jones minimized the pandemic’s threat by likening it to "the health version of global warming" and dismissing widespread concerns as overblown. He emphasized stagnant infection and death statistics while overlooking the exponential growth that medical experts warned about. At that time, Jones was self-isolating at his rural property to avoid contracting the virus. Given that his audience largely consisted of older individuals at greater risk, commentator Mike Carlton criticized Jones’s statements as both "dangerous" and "reckless."

Although Jones later recognized the seriousness of the virus for vulnerable populations such as elderly Australians and those with underlying health issues, he continued to omit references to the rapid increase in cases. He attributed responsibility for the crisis to China and speculated without evidence that China was purchasing undervalued Australian assets.

Legal proceedings and tribunal outcomes

Throughout his tenure as a broadcaster, Jones has been subject to numerous legal actions and tribunal inquiries.

Defamation litigation

Jones has faced several defamation lawsuits related to his on-air remarks, including:

• 1990: Ordered to pay damages exceeding $55,000 for defaming David Parker, a former NRMA councillor; simultaneously, 2UE was fined $80,000 in connection with the 1986 NRMA election campaign.
• 1994: Faced a defamation suit from Don Mackay, then NRMA president, alleging false implications.
• 1998: Accused rugby league referee Bill Harrigan of bias; Harrigan received $90,000 in damages awarded in 2001.
• 2002: Resolved out of court a defamation claim brought by NSW police officer Deborah Wallace concerning broadcasts made in 2001.
• 2008: Found liable for defaming Australian Olympic Committee head John Coates regarding the management of rower Sally Robbins at the 2004 Olympics.
• 2011: Sued by health official Terry Clout over comments made in 2009.
• 2015: Faced legal action from former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and deputy Jeff Seeney over allegations of dishonesty relating to the Acland coal mine expansion.
• 2018: Successfully sued by the Wagner family for defamatory remarks connecting them to fatalities during Queensland floods in 2010–11; ordered to pay $3.7 million in damages.
• 2018: Defamation suit filed by NSW government acoustic scientist Jeff Parnell following accusations of manipulating a wind farm noise-monitoring report.

Additional significant defamation cases involved individuals such as Aboriginal woman Mary-Lou Buck; Lola Scott, a former senior NSW police officer; Rockdale mayor Shaoquett Moselmane; Aboriginal leader Pat Dodson; members of rugby league judiciary; liquidator Ian Ferrier and associates; Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy; rugby union chief John O'Neill (awarded approximately $50,000); former Herald letters editor Geraldine Walsh (around $100,000); and QC Bob Stitt (near $50,000).

London incident

On 6 December 1988, Jones was taken into custody at a public restroom in Soho, London, and faced charges of 'outraging public decency' and 'committing an indecent act'. The following day at Marlborough Street Magistrates' Court, the prosecution dropped the more serious accusation. Jones denied the lesser charge; however, no evidence was provided, leading to the eventual dismissal of the case. His legal team was awarded £70 in costs. On 16 January 1989, Jones issued a prepared statement on his radio program affirming his innocence. Since then, he has largely refrained from addressing the matter, although critics frequently bring it up to challenge his reliability.

Early contempt of court charges

In 1992, the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption reprimanded Jones for his critical remarks about former State Minister Dr Terry Metherell during an inquiry into Metherell’s government appointment.

That same year, Jones and radio station 2UE were found guilty of contempt of court after Jones conducted an interview with a former Drug Enforcement Squad officer amid the trial of ex-police officer John Killen, which resulted in the trial being aborted. The station received a $77,000 fine while Jones was fined $2,000.

Cash for comment affair

In July 1994, Media Watch revealed that Jones had promoted Optus during his broadcasts.

Between 1999 and 2000, investigations into "Cash for comment" uncovered contracts Jones held that involved providing personal commercial endorsements in exchange for positive "unscripted" remarks, mainly benefiting Telstra and Qantas during his radio segments. The Australian Broadcasting Authority required disclosure of such deals, leading to the creation of a "Commercial Agreement Register" on his station’s website. Jones was scrutinized alongside John Laws from 2UE.

In April 2004, controversy emerged when it became public that David Flint, then Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and head of the cash for comment investigation, had sent numerous complimentary letters to Jones. This raised concerns regarding Flint’s neutrality and sparked media speculation involving Federal Minister Daryl Williams. Flint resigned prior to an official inquiry. On ABC’s Enough Rope program, John Laws accused Jones of exerting pressure on Prime Minister John Howard to keep Flint as ABA chairman and hinted at a close association between Jones and Flint.

Cronulla riots

In December 2005, just before the Cronulla riots, Jones used his morning radio show to read aloud and discuss a widely circulated text message calling people to "Come to Cronulla this weekend to take revenge... get down to North Cronulla to support the Leb and wog bashing day". Media analyst David Marr accused Jones of fueling racial tensions and implicitly endorsing violence and vigilantism through his reactions to callers, despite verbally condemning lawlessness.

On 10 April 2007, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) determined that 2GB and Jones had aired content between 5 and 9 December 2005 that was "likely to encourage violence or brutality and to vilify people of Lebanese and Middle-Eastern backgrounds on the basis of ethnicity". In response on-air, Jones disputed ACMA’s naming of his program, insisting it was called "The Alan Jones Show" rather than "Breakfast with Alan Jones", although the 2GB website originally listed it under the latter title before updating it following his objection.

David Flint publicly defended Jones on air, criticizing ACMA’s procedures as flawed and asserting that the vigilante movement existed prior to Jones’ broadcasts. Flint also faulted the complaints process for denying Jones the opportunity to confront or question those who lodged grievances against him.

On 21 December 2009, the NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal upheld a complaint against Jones and 2GB for racial vilification, concluding that Jones’ remarks about "Lebanese males in their vast numbers" constituted reckless exaggeration intended to provoke his audience without factual basis. Although Jones appealed this decision, in October 2012 the Tribunal dismissed his appeal and confirmed his conviction for inciting hatred and vilification against Muslims.

Jones delivered an on-air apology on 6 December 2012; however, on 12 December the Tribunal ruled this insufficient and mandated a second formal apology be broadcast during the week commencing 17 December. This statement was required to explicitly acknowledge that his comments violated the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act and express regret for the unlawful statements made on Radio 2GB.

Contempt of court charges

In 2007, Jones was convicted of violating the Children's (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 (NSW) by revealing the name of a juvenile witness, which had been legally suppressed, during a murder trial broadcast. Deputy Chief Magistrate Helen Syme reprimanded Jones for failing to issue an on-air apology and described the breach as "serious". He received a nine-month good-behaviour bond and was fined $1,000.

Jones appealed the conviction in February 2008 but was unsuccessful; however, the following month, the criminal conviction was overturned. Judge Michael Finnane acknowledged that Jones’ reliance on The Daily Telegraph somewhat lessened the gravity of the offence. While affirming Jones’ guilt, the judge dismissed the charge and annulled the conviction, characterizing it as "an honest mistake".

Kovco comments

In October 2007, NSW State Coroner Mary Jerram contemplated referring Jones and The Daily Telegraph to the NSW Supreme Court regarding remarks made about the inquest into Private Jake Kovco’s death. Jones alleged that assisting counsel John Agius attempted to persuade Kovco’s mother to reject a jury inquest, which Jerram warned could prejudice the legal process. Ultimately, no formal charges were filed against Jones.

Military trial commentary

Jones’ pre-trial statements concerning charges against three Australian soldiers in Afghanistan were featured on ABC's Media Watch. Analysts suggested his remarks might have constituted contempt of court if the trial had been ongoing. The charges were subsequently dismissed during a pre-trial hearing.

Breach of radio standards

On 25 November 2011, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) determined that Jones violated commercial radio codes in his environmental reporting by presenting inaccuracies and neglecting to include alternative perspectives. Decisions regarding penalties were still pending.

Climate change commentary

On 15 June 2012, ACMA ruled that Jones breached radio standards due to his assertion that humans contribute "0.001 per cent of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere." Rather than imposing penalties on the licensee, ACMA collaborated with 2GB to enhance procedural safeguards. Subsequently, on 18 October 2012, ACMA mandated that Jones complete factual accuracy training and employ a fact-checker. Jones later acknowledged his error, correcting his statement to reflect that humans produce approximately 3 percent of all atmospheric gases and issued a public correction.

COVID-19 lockdown comments

Jones openly criticized former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and his administration. In August 2020, during his Sky News program, he opposed Victoria's COVID-19 restrictions, arguing that scientific evidence did not justify stricter measures. An investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that while Jones accurately cited a scientific journal, he misrepresented research regarding lockdown effectiveness and mask usage. Consequently, he was required to issue a correction in January 2021.

Sexual assault allegations and arrest

In December 2023, an investigative report by Kate McClymont published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age detailed multiple allegations from men accusing Jones of indecent assault; Jones denied these claims. In March 2024, NSW Police formed Strike Force Bonnefin to probe alleged incidents dating from 2001 to 2019.

On 18 November 2024, Jones was apprehended at his Circular Quay home and charged with twenty-four offences involving eight victims over two decades. These charges included eleven counts of aggravated indecent assault, nine counts of assault with an act of indecency, two counts of sexual touching without consent, and two counts of common assault. The youngest alleged victim was seventeen years old at the time. The aggravated indecent assault accusations pertain to a former employee.

Jones was granted conditional bail subject to travel and contact restrictions and appeared in court on 18 December 2024. On 19 November, two further charges related to a ninth victim were filed against him. Prior to the December hearing, eight additional charges involving a tenth victim increased the total number of offences to thirty-four. Jones pleaded not guilty, dismissing the allegations as "baseless" or distortions of fact and declared his intention to present his defence before a jury.

Following these developments, various media personalities reacted differently: Peta Credlin argued that Jones was being treated unfairly; Andrew Bolt described it as a significant downfall; while James Packer emphasized Jones’s right to be presumed innocent. Media figure Josh Szeps, who previously worked as a junior producer under Jones, alleged unwanted advances but characterized Jones as "fiery," describing incidents as "playful" and "excessively romantic."

On 7 March 2025, an additional charge related to an eleventh complainant was brought against Jones, raising the total offences to thirty-five.

Personal life

Jones has remained unmarried and does not have any children. He resides in Sydney. In 2003, he acquired a 27-hectare estate in Fitzroy Falls for $2.3 million, which he later sold in 2022. Additionally, in 2017, Jones purchased a luxury apartment at Circular Quay for $10.5 million, and in 2021, he invested $12.25 million in a waterfront residence located in Southport, Queensland.

Health issues

In July 2008, Jones underwent surgery to treat prostate cancer, followed by the removal of a benign brain tumour in December of the same year. He faced back and neck complications that required surgical intervention in November 2016, causing him to be off the air for four months. Again in November 2018, he was hospitalized due to intense back pain and temporarily ceased broadcasting. Another back surgery was performed on him in November 2022.

Jonestown

Jonestown: The Power and the Myth of Alan Jones (Allen & Unwin) is an unauthorised biography authored by Australian journalist Chris Masters. The project began in 2002 after a Four Corners episode profiling Jones. The book received the Australian Book Industry Awards' Australian Biography of the Year accolade in 2007. It explores Jones’ period as Senior English Master at The King's School, Parramatta, and recounts a 1988 incident in London when he was arrested on charges of outraging public decency—charges that were eventually dismissed.