The former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has criticised hostages of the Sydney siege for selling their stories to TV networks.

Kennett took to Twitter to criticise reports some survivors had sold their story, saying it was “sad” and not “morally right”.

Is it not sad, those involved in the Sydney siege, who's lives were saved are now selling their stories for profit. Terribly disappointing — Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) January 19, 2015

“Two innocent hostages lost their lives. I do not think it is morally right that the media pay, and any of those who were saved should profit from the attack. Just plain grubby,” he wrote.

.@KateAshmor @beyondblue The country spent huge sums to end the siege and rescue almost all of the hostages. Many first responders put 1/3 — Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) January 19, 2015

Their lives at risk. Two innocent hostages lost their lives. I do not think it is morally right that the media pay, and any of those 3/3 — Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) January 19, 2015

3/3 who were saved should profit from the attack. Just plain grubby. Sorry if I offend a few, but should be a law against this exploitation — Jeff Kennett (@jeff_kennett) January 19, 2015

Many of the 10 hostages who survived the siege in the Lindt cafe signed an exclusive deal with Channel Nine to tell their stories on television next month.

It is understood Channel Seven has also signed several siege survivors for its Sunday Night program and the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine has an exclusive interview and photo spread with one of the women.

There was an intense battle between media companies for the rights to the interviews and it was reported hostages could be paid up to $100,000, depending on what they saw.

Victims of Crime Assistance League spokesman Howard Brown disagreed with Kennett’s comments.



“It’s a bit tough for people like Jeff Kennett if he hasn’t walked in their shoes,” Brown said. “I have no idea what those hostages went through.”

The head of victims’ support group Enough is Enough, Ken Marslew, said the decision to be paid for stories was between the hostages and their consciences.



“I have difficulty with it, but it’s their choice,” Marslew said.