Government urged to inject young blood into ABC board
The Albanese government has begun the slow process of remaking the ABC’s influential board – and chairman Ita Buttrose has advised it to consider young blood for at least one director’s seat, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland told the ABC Friends Winter Dinner on Thursday night the government would launch a review into how public broadcasters are financed, including how board members are chosen.
ABC chair Ita Buttrose has been critical of the way ABC directors are chosen. ABC
Ms Rowland said there would be a public consultation period to ask for views on how the government could prevent politically motivated funding cuts to the ABC and SBS.
“This review is an opportunity for Australians to have their say on the funding and governance arrangements for the ABC and SBS, including measures to support stable funding terms and promote effective board appointments,” Ms Rowland said.
“The ABC and SBS are key democratic and cultural institutions that provide essential services for communities across the country.”
Announcing a new review, particularly one focused on board governance, suggests the government is in no rush to fill open vacancies on the ABC board.
Two positions on the ABC’s nine-person board are currently open after thedeparture of Malcolm Turnbull-appointee Joe Gersh and resignation of Fiona Balfour under a conflict-of-interest cloud. Also, Ms Buttrose has not indicated whether she’ll seek a second term next year.
Ms Buttrose has been publicly critical of the way ABC directors are chosen. Unlike other companies, the chairman does not get a say in the process, something she has previously branded a “mistake”.
Governments have long exploited the board selection
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