BREAKING: The Australian is reporting that senior government sources confirmed cabinet had chosen Ita Buttrose as the ABC’s next chair.
No official announcement is expected until after the Prime Minister has consulted Opposition leader Bill Shorten and taken the nomination to Governor-General Peter Cosgrove for ratification.
Author, publisher, radio and television personality Ita Buttrose has become front runner to become the next chair of the ABC and fill the void left by the resignation of Justin Milne.
According to a report in Fairfax media, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield will take Ms Buttrose’s nomination to cabinet this week, despite her name not being included in a shortlist compiled by an independent panel following an extensive search by global recruitment firm Korn Ferry.
Those on the shortlist reportedly included: Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood, former News Corp chief executive Kim Williams, Film Victoria president Ian Robertson, and Gilbert + Tobin managing partner Danny Gilbert.
The Greens through the office of Senator Sarah Hanson-Young was quick to trigger a backlash, suggesting in a media release that the choice of Ms Buttrose was politically motivated.
“Independent process must be followed in ABC appointments. Ita Buttrose must be considered by the independent nomination panel before cabinet names the next ABC chair, the Greens say.
“If the Morrison Government wants to nominate Ms Buttrose, it must go through the proper channels,” Greens media spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Five months have passed since the Government was caught in a web of political interference at the ABC. They still have not learned their lesson.
“Ita Buttrose is clearly a strong candidate for the position, however the current mess at the ABC is a result of exploiting board appointments. This cannot be allowed to continue, no matter how strong the contender.
“Political interference has plagued the ABC and there can be no doubt placed on future board appointments, or indeed the chair.
“The independent panel exists for a reason, and must not be disregarded or side stepped yet again by this Government.”