The latest violent, sexist comments made by broadcaster Alan Jones can't be excused.
There is no context that could justify the words used by Jones on 2GB on Thursday, when he told the NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian her head was "in a noose" that would be tightened.
It's astounding that in this day, a person can use their public profile and position to make sexist and often violent comments and not be held to account.
Jones has once again drawn the ire of the broader community for his discussion with the premier.
"You put your head in a noose and, once the truckies and the farmers start, that noose will be tightened," he said.
Sadly, it's not the first time for Jones, nor, apparently, will it be the last.
This is the same man who once called for then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard to be dropped out to sea in a chaff bag.
Those comments, recorded secretly at a function about five years ago, led to a major backlash from Jones' sponsors and an apology.
At that point it should have been clear that he had crossed a line and should have been removed from his position.
His violent and sexist comments do nothing to help gender equality or the scourge of domestic violence against women in communities across Australia, including ours. Statistics reveal one in four women are subject to domestic violence in Australia at least once from the age of 15.
Jones continues to spout these derogatory comments, mostly aimed at women, despite these sobering statistics.
Serious consideration should be given to Jones' position which is undeniably one of power and influence.
He should be held to account for these vile comments.
Unfortunately it's not only Jones on 2GB who has caused a stir in the past week for derogatory comments.
Commentator Prue MacSween said on the same station (Sydney radio station 2GB, part owned by Fairfax Media, which also publishes this website) she would be "tempted to run over" Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a 26-year-old mechanical engineer, muslim and feminist, if she saw her on the street. MacSween defended her comments as "satirical".
The radio station had the decency to distance itself from MacSween and those comments.
"2GB doesn't condone Prue MacSween's comments," Macquarie Media General Counsel Alessandra Steele told Fairfax Media. "We have spoken to Ms MacSween following her comments, and she agrees they were in poor taste."
They haven't done the same for the comments made by Jones, which is the least they could do. At best, he should be removed from his position.