ABC claims the government ‘didn’t ask’ for documents related to top brass ousting, report
THE ABC has reportedly claimed that it did not pass on important documents related to the ousting of Michelle Guthrie and Justin Milne because the government didn’t ask for them.
National
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THE ABC has reportedly claimed that it did not pass on important documents related to the ditching of its chairman and managing director because the man in charge of the inquiry into the situation never asked for papers.
According to a Fairfax Media report, the Department of Communications stated that this was “incorrect”, and that a crucial document was “discussed” at a meeting between secretary Mike Mrdak and the ABC’s acting managing director David Anderson.
Mr Mrdak, according to Fairfax Media, also reportedly asked Mr Anderson in writing for a replica of all documents that were the subject of media reports, along with any other important records and documents.
The differing claims have brought about skepticism over the adequacy of the departmental investigation into alleged political interference at the ABC, which was discussed in Parliament on Monday but did not answer questions about the fuss at the very top of the ABC.
According to Fairfax Media, Mr Mrdak said the 11-page document that former managing director Michelle Guthrie provided to the ABC board before she was fired was “not available” to his inquiry.
Fairfax Media reported that it had obtained a copy of the dossier and has disclosed its contents in detail - with particular respect to an email former chairman Justin Milne sent to Ms Guthrie telling her to “get rid of” popular presenter Emma Alberici.
That divulgement nudged Communications Minister Mitch Fifield to accelerate a departmental inquiry headed by Mr Mrdak, and Mr Milne stood down as chairman the next day.
