ABC Board hires independent auditor to investigate claims by sacked boss Michelle Guthrie
THE ABC Board has hired an external and independent auditor to investigate claims made by its sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie.
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THE ABC Board has hired an external and independent auditor to investigate claims made by the ABC’s sacked managing director Michelle Guthrie.
A crisis engulfed the ABC last week after Guthrie was sacked and chairman Justin Milne was forced to resign over allegations he demanded journalists be sacked to appease the coalition.
In a statement issued this morning, the ABC Board said it was "united in defending the independence of the Corporation.
“The Board resolved on Sunday 23 September 2018 to appoint an external, independent expert advisor to investigate these matters,” the statement says.
“That investigation is underway, and it is not appropriate for the Board or the ABC to make any further comment pending its completion.”
The statement says the investigation was initiated after the Board received a letter from Guthrie late on Friday, September 21 in which she responded to “several issues that the Board raised with her”.
“In addition, the former Managing Director raised other matters that she requested the Board investigate on a confidential basis.”
The Board defended its actions in sacking Guthrie.
“This Board has always acted in the best interests of the ABC, has fully debated any issues presented to it and ensured that editorial independence has been maintained,” it says in the statement.
“We are united in defending the independence of the Corporation. We have done our job thoughtfully and with due regard to board process.”
The statement comes amid mounting calls for the board members to resign, a week after the resignation of chairman Justin Milne and the sacking of Guthrie.
The leadership turmoil has put each member’s nomination and qualifications under the spotlight, with accusations of political interference levelled at the Liberal government.
Labor leader Bill Shorten wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday demanding Labor be consulted on the appointmentof the ABC’s next chairman and other board members.
The prime minister said the government will stick to the normal process in making board appointments.
ABC board member Kirstin Ferguson has taken over as the organisation’s acting chair.