The NSW Police Force has dumped a former Network Seven producer as a senior media adviser after sustained media attention.
Veteran journalist Steve Jackson was announced as head of the police media unit earlier in March.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said he would take on the role ‘temporarily’, pending another process before a permanent appointment.
However, police released a statement on Thursday afternoon saying the decision had been reversed.
“The NSW Police Force has terminated the temporary appointment to the role of Executive Director of the Public Affairs Department,” the statement said.
‘To best serve the interests of the NSW Police Force and the community, the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Department must be able to fulfill the duties of the role free from external distractions and constant media attention.’
‘The current arrangement for the role will remain in place for the time being.’
The change of heart appears to stem from the intense publicity surrounding his role in a bizarre saga involving another former Network Seven producer, Taylor Auerbach, and Bruce Lehrmann.
Veteran journalist Steve Jackson (pictured) was announced as head of the police media unit
Previous reports claimed that Mr Auerbach used a Seven West credit card to book two Thai massages worth $1000 – one for him and one for Mr Lehrmann – in the early hours of November 26, 2022.
It was also reported that Mr Lehrmann stayed at Mr Auerbach’s home in Elizabeth Bay for several hours after the massage, and was charged a total of $2,940 on the company card.
The late-night meeting is said to have taken place during negotiations over Mr Lehrmann’s exclusive interviews for the channel’s flagship current affairs programme, Spotlight, which aired in June and August last year.
It is clear that Mr. Auerbach used the company card without the knowledge of key Spotlight employees. Text messages later emerged in which a senior producer, Mr. Jackson, allegedly guided Mr. Auerbach in reversing the massage transaction.
Mr Lehrmann denied receiving the massage, telling media last week: ‘It is an untrue and bizarre story from a disgruntled ex-Network Seven producer.’
“Network Seven only reimbursed reasonable travel for filming and accommodation,” he said.
Mr Auerbach has refuted Mr Lehrmann’s denial of the situation and sent him a letter of concern, which is the first step in defamation proceedings.
He claimed the denial could damage his reputation.
