Jeff Kennett: Nine Board “must act”

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett says Ex-Liberal Treasurer-turned Nine Network Chairman, Peter Costello, must show some leadership over the 60 Minutes debacle in Lebanon.

Kennett, who acknowledges he is “a director of Seven West Media and an intermittent contributor to the Sunrise program,” has penned an opinion piece in the Herald Sun.

“I cannot believe that no one at Channel 9, as I write this, has been publicly held accountable,” he writes.

“Every aspect of good governance has and is being ignored and denied by those in positions of authority.

“The board of Channel 9, now led by Peter Costello, must take control and exercise accountability regardless of what position these people may hold.

“Only a public act of such accountability can help those Channel 9 staff members being held in custody in Lebanon.”

Kennett says several media organisations were offered the Sally Faulkner story but declined.

He feels sorry for Sally Faulkner, and the Nine crew.

“But knowingly they knew the risks they were taking. That they were part of a covert action to break the law in another country

“But where is there any acceptance of responsibility by Channel 9 that might actually help secure the release of their employees quicker than is occurring?”

Nine has previously stated it is working relentlessly to bring the crew home, with a Lebanese legal team, and support from Australian diplomatic representatives in Lebanon, and DFAT officials in Canberra.

The case returns to court in Beirut today.