Channel Nine launch hotline to report past sexual assault at the station

Following the recent allegations of sexual assault against Don Burke, Nine Network has launched a hotline where staff — past and present — can report past sexual assaults or “issues that relate to their time” at Nine.

There will also be a free counselling service offered.

Nine’s Chief Executive Hugh Marks sent an internal memo to staff: “As much as we might like to, sometimes we unfortunately cannot rewrite history. But we can and will take steps to ensure that former employees, perhaps with old grievances, are supported. So we have set up a unique phone line for them to call 1300 554 818 and will provide an independent counselling service to report instances of past behaviour they would like addressed.

“But importantly it is fundamental that as a team we all share some simple expectations. And it is in this context that we all accept our role in ensuring we have and maintain a culture that has zero tolerance of inappropriate workplace behaviour. Everyone is entitled to come to work at Nine confident that our workplace is safe and that inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with effectively.

“This is an important issue for all Australian workplaces. I believe Nine can take a strong leadership role in our industry to make sure we do the right thing by our people, now, and into the future.”

While this is decades late, and not nearly enough, it is a good move from Channel Nine, and will hopefully be the beginning of a complete cultural change at the station, in the industry, and in the world at large.

At the very least, it’s a start.

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