NSW Police have sacked a former Network Seven producer as senior media adviser over the ongoing attention.
Veteran journalist Steve Jackson was announced as head of the police media unit in early March.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she would take on the role “temporarily”, pending another process before a permanent appointment.
However, police issued a statement on Thursday afternoon to say the decision had been reversed.
“New South Wales Police has ceased the temporary appointment to the position of Executive Director of the Public Affairs Branch,” the statement read.
“To best serve the interests of the New South Wales police and community, the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Division must be able to carry out his or her duties without external distractions or constant media attention.”
“The current arrangements for the position will remain in place for the time being.”
The change of heart appears to be due to 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) has been announced as head of the police media unit.
Previous reports alleged that Auerbach used a Seven West credit card to book two $1,000 Thai massages, one for himself and one for Lehrmann, in the early hours of November 26, 2022.
The late-night meeting was said to have taken place during negotiations for Mr. Lehrmann’s exclusive interviews on the network’s flagship current affairs program, Spotlight, which aired in June and August last year.
It is understood Mr Auerbach used the corporate card without the knowledge of key Spotlight staff. Text messages later emerged showing a senior producer, Jackson, allegedly guiding Auerbach on how to reverse the massage transaction.
