Josh Keech Resigns from ABC Following Yacht Inquiry and Staff Turnover Investigation
Josh Keech, an executive responsible for employee relations at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), resigned on April 17, 2026. His departure followed media inquiries regarding a team-building day held on a private yacht and coincided with an internal investigation into significant staff turnover within his team.
"The ABC has stated that it did not pay for the boat trip."
Resignation and Immediate Context
Keech's resignation was announced to his team at 3:30 PM and to the wider department shortly after 4:00 PM on April 17.
The resignation came after the media outlet On Background sent questions to Keech and ABC management regarding a team-building day organized on a yacht owned by businessman Tom Snow. The ABC has stated that it did not pay for the boat trip.
Following the media inquiries, ABC executives, including Chief People Officer Deena Amorelli, held a meeting in the managing director's office. Amorelli subsequently announced Keech's resignation. The ABC issued an internal statement confirming his departure and thanking him for his service but declined further comment.
Background and Staff Turnover
Keech led the ABC's employee relations division during a period of pay bargaining negotiations with staff and unions. During this time, his team experienced significant turnover.
According to internal correspondence, six employment lawyers left the team between January 2025 and April 2026, leaving one counsel remaining. Reports indicate that ABC management was already investigating this high rate of turnover prior to the resignation.
The pay negotiations were unsuccessful in their initial stages. Union members voted down the ABC's pay offer twice in March 2026, which led to a 24-hour strike by staff.
Related Incidents During Negotiations
Multiple anonymous sources reported a series of incidents involving Keech during the bargaining process:
- In December 2025, Keech reportedly threatened a union staffer and an ABC delegate with defamation proceedings after they described his conduct as "union-busting tactics."
- In September 2025, Keech wrote to the union warning of a potential "psychosocial risk of harm" from a union campaign that encouraged anonymous staff messages to management.
- Prior to negotiations, several staffers reported that Keech stated he had never lost a bargaining vote in his career. The ABC subsequently lost two bargaining votes during this process.
- In February 2026, Keech wrote to his team asking for patience during the period of staff turnover.
Outcome of Negotiations
Following these events, the ABC and its staff unions have reached an in-principle agreement on pay that is expected to be approved.
Other Media Developments
Media Personnel Speculation
Separately, speculation has emerged regarding potential changes at the Nine Network's Today show. Sports presenter James Bracey has been mentioned as a possible replacement for host Karl Stefanovic, whose contract is scheduled to end later in 2026.
ABC AI-Generated Video Error
The ABC's independent ombudsman found that the broadcaster had quoted an AI-generated video in a news report, which falsely attributed remarks to Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun. The ABC News team has accepted the findings and stated it is reviewing its verification processes.
Kyle Sandilands and Police Complaint
In a separate media matter, Jennie Hill, founder of the activist group Mad F***ing Witches, filed a complaint with Victoria Police on April 15 regarding on-air comments made by radio host Kyle Sandilands.
Hill stated that Sandilands' comments, which included references to people offering to "sort out" the group and mentions of private investigators, had led to anonymous threats that forced several group administrators to leave their homes. Victoria Police confirmed receipt of the report but stated that after investigation, no criminal offences were detected. ARN Media cited these remarks in its legal defence against a contract lawsuit filed by Sandilands.
Trademark Dispute
A trademark dispute has arisen concerning news channel branding. Sky News Australia rebranded as "News24" and applied for its trademark.
The ABC, which established its rolling news platform in 2010 as "ABC News 24" (now operating as "ABC News Channel"), retains the rights to that trademark until 2030. The ABC has expressed concern regarding potential confusion caused by the similar branding.