ABC board appointments ‘months away’ as decision over Buttrose looms

A person with direct knowledge of the situation indicated that no discussions had begun between Buttrose and Rowland over a potential chair reappointment. Buttrose was contacted for comment.

Should Buttrose opt out, or if Rowland and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese do not reappoint her, the vacancy would be required to be advertised publicly. The same process is not applicable in the case of a reappointment.

If the government appoints a new chair, the decision on whether to reappoint managing director David Anderson for a second term would be among the first items on their agenda. Buttrose appointed Anderson in May 2019, soon after joining the broadcaster’s board, and his term expires on May 5, 2024.

Anderson is also yet to indicate whether he will seek another term.

The ABC has faced intense scrutiny lately, particularly over its handling of racial abuse directed towards journalist Stan Grant and the sacking of its political editor Andrew Probyn, part of a wider round of job cuts as it shifts towards a digitally led strategy.

The governor-general appoints the chair, though Rowland and Albanese would recommend a candidate.

While having two vacant spots on the ABC board does not impact day-to-day operations, another senior ABC person who spoke anonymously so they could speak freely said that particularly in the context of recent events, having a “strong board” was ideal.

Several people suggested it was likely Rowland will seek a say in deciding the next chair, with Albanese also expressing frustration with the broadcaster’s decision-making last month during a speech at the Midwinter Ball. Rowland also requested a briefing from management over cuts the broadcaster signalled in June.

Loading

Labor has sought to adopt stricter hurdles around government-appointed directors to limit perceived political stacking seen under nine years of Coalition government.

This year it ordered former Australian Public Service commissioner Lynelle Briggs to review appointment standards and processes, including the advertising of roles, professional selection procedures and performance tracking of board members, not strictly limited to the ABC.

The ABC selection process has come under scrutiny after Coalition-friendly appointments, with names including Maurice Newman and Janet Albrechtsen cited as examples highlighting the issue.

The recently departed Gersh, self-described as being on the centre-right, told The Australian Financial Review in March: “The ABC would benefit from more conservative voices, there is no doubt about that.”

Laura Tingle and David Anderson are the only non-Coalition government-appointed board members, as the staff-elected member and managing director, who is appointed by the chair and board.

Buttrose’s appointment in 2019 followed the sacking of the ABC’s managing director, Michelle Guthrie, with then-chair Justin Milne soon after resigning over allegations he asked Guthrie to sack journalists the government did not like.

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.