Ita Buttrose’s term as ABC chair will end in March 2024. After 5 years in the role the 81 year old has told Communications Minister Michelle Rowland that she will not seek reappointment.

Buttrose said in a statement:

“There have been many memories, some challenges, and I have relished the opportunity to play a role in the ABC’s history.”

There is still work to be done between now and March next year. Until then, it is business as usual.”

Rowland told the ABC:

“Ms Buttrose was the right chair for the right time.

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.

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.”

The communications minister said a selection process to appoint the next chair will begin “in due course“, with the process conducted by the nomination panel for ABC and SBS appointments, supported by the communications department and an external executive search agency.