Ita Buttrose AC OBE, the Chair of the ABC, has advised the Government that she is not seeking reappointment following the completion of her current term in March 2024.
She was appointed to the role in March 2019, taking over when her predecessor, Justin Milne, was forced to resign following accusations that he asked for two ABC journalists, Emma Alberici and Andrew Probyn, to be dismissed.
Buttrose will remain the ABC Chair until her term expires on 6 March 2024. The Government has said it will begin a selection process to appoint the next Chair in due course.
The selection process will be conducted by the independent Nomination Panel for ABC and SBS appointments, supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and an external executive search agency.
Speaking about her decision, Buttrose said “I have enjoyed my time at the ABC immensely and am honoured to have chaired such a great Australian institution for five years.
“There have been many memories, some challenges, and I have relished the opportunity to play a role in the ABC’s history. Our 90th celebrations last year remain a high point for me but there are many moments I will always remember. Among those are the many interactions with both ABC staff and our audiences across the country.
“I would like to thank Minister Rowland for her kind words and the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison for appointing me in 2019.
“There is still work to be done between now and March next year. Until then, it is business as usual.”
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland said: “Ms Buttrose was the right Chair for the right time.
“Ms Buttrose is a giant of Australia’s media industry, and the Government thanks her for her exemplary service as Chair of the ABC.
“Ms Buttrose is a formidable corporate leader who has served with distinction, speaking truth to power and upholding governance standards to protect independent public broadcasting.
“She has much to do in the remainder of her term and will leave the ABC stronger than when she was entrusted with the role in 2019.
“She navigated the public broadcaster through a challenging period that included strident political criticism, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing transformation of the ABC so it can remain an essential part of Australian life in the digital age.
“The Government respects Ms Buttrose’s decision and wishes her well for the remainder of her term and her future endeavours”.