Statement on the ABC Chair

The Chair of the ABC, Ms Ita Buttrose AC OBE has advised the Government that she is not seeking reappointment following the completion of her current term in March 2024.

 

The Government acknowledges Ms Buttrose for her outstanding leadership of the national broadcaster since her appointment in March 2019.

 

Ms Buttrose brought renewed stability following a period of great organisational upheaval at the ABC. She has been a strong defender of the independence of the ABC, as well as a fierce advocate for the important role it plays in Australian society.



During Ms Buttrose’s term, the ABC has continued to be a trusted source of news, information and entertainment for all Australians, with adherence to strong governance in a rapidly changing media environment.



Under Ms Buttrose’s stewardship, the ABC has developed a new Five-Year Plan, championed greater inclusivity through efforts to introduce audio-description for blind and vision-impaired Australians, and furthered her career-long focus on boosting women’s representation in the media.



Ms Buttrose will remain the ABC Chair until her term expires on 6 March 2024.



The Government 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.



Further information about the appointments process can be found at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/abc-sbs-board-appointments



Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:



“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”.