Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett has criticised the lucrative paid interviews negotiated by some of the survivors of the Sydney siege – and in my view, rightly so.

During a heated debate on social media, Mr Kennett argued stridently that it is “terribly disappointing” to see the victims of the Martin Place hostage drama haggling for vast sums of money to tell of their ordeal.

He said it was the “principle of profiting from misfortune, particularly when you owe your life to the brave acts of others” that saddened him, and I must agree.

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Two major TV networks, Seven and Nine, have reportedly signed exclusive interview deals with some of the survivors.

Marcia Mikhael, one of the 18 hostages, is reported to have secured more than $300,000 for a single interview, which is a truly offensive figure. Hostage survivor John O’Brien will reportedly be paid $100,000 for an interview, while a further four survivors have reportedly been secured by the Nine Network.

I agree that no hostage should pay for their medical and psychological treatment, but neither should they be seeking to line their pockets with six-figure sums.

NSW Police, seen here conferring during the Sydney siege, get no six-figure rewards for their bravery. Photo: Getty

As a journalist, I watched the siege closely. I reported on it for days. I applauded the victims’ escape. I felt great sadness for the two hostages who were killed, and I imagine their families have been plunged into an uncomprehending grief since that day in December. It will not be going away any time soon.

And I was moved by the response of the Australian public, who showed their solidarity with the victims by building a massive floral tribute in Martin Place. It was the same response that we witnessed after the Black Saturday fires and the Queensland floods of 2010-2011. It was pure of heart, generous and showed again that despite our differences, Australians genuinely care about one another when it matters most.

And yet, our concern is somehow cheapened when a victim puts his or her hand out for money to tell their tale, and then turns down the first offer to demand more. It is our empathy which is being monetised.

Ms Mikhael has, as her lawyer reportedly told News Corp, a “wonderful story” to tell. The 43-year-old Westpac bank executive was one of four women forced to recite a list of the terrorist’s demands on film, and suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. She survived a traumatic event.

Mikhael’s lawyer, Jason Arraj, reportedly said that the money would be used to establish a foundation for other siege victims, which is admirable, but I can’t be the only person who feels the gesture is sullied by the methods used to obtain the ‘donation’.

“It’s got to be a win-win business transaction … so when I say I don’t want to be insulted, I’m saying I don’t want a figure of $10,000 – that’s not going to cut it at all,” Mr Arraj reportedly told The Australian.

Contrast this with the families of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, who both died during the siege. Their stories are tragic, and yet the offers of tell-all interviews and enormous payouts will pass them by, because tragedy is apparently worth less than a brush with death.

Thousands of flowers were placed in Martin Place, celebrating the lives of the siege victims. Photo: Getty

Weeks after Man Haron Monis held lives to ransom, this quibbling over cash seems crass. This is one circumstance which should not have a price.

It is equally disappointing that bravery in uniform carries no such reward. The police who risked their lives to rescue Ms Mikhael and the other hostages will not receive a six-figure cheque for this or the other tragedies to which they respond each year.

Undoubtedly, money can help victims of crime move on with their lives, which is exactly why it should be distributed fairly.

 Think of the thousands of women terrorised by husbands and partners every bit as violent as the coward Man Haron Monis.

By all means, share your story if it helps you heal, but don’t turn your grief and our generosity of spirit into a bargaining chip.

As I watched the Sydney siege unfold I wanted nothing more than your safe return to your families, but this grab for cash is a disappointing final chapter to the story.

Lawyer Jason Arraj was contacted by The New Daily but declined to comment on the record.