ABC’s general counsel Connie Carnabuci is leaving the public broadcaster

The ABC’s general counsel said she was quitting seven months ago but has been unable to go since the Porter defamation action began.

ABC General Counsel Connie Carnabuci at Senate Estimates on Monday.

The ABC’s most senior lawyer told management in November last year she would be leaving the public broadcaster but she has been unable to do so since defamation proceedings by Christian Porter began.

Connie Carnabuci – who has been in the role as general counsel since July 2017 – made a decision to depart the ABC seven months ago and her position was advertised shortly afterwards. But seven months on she still remains in the role.

“She agreed to stay on for reasons that would be obvious. She has made her intentions clear and there will be an appointment made in due course,” a senior insider said.

It is understood that Ms Carnabuci was unable to depart when defamation proceedings were launched by Mr Porter against the ABC in March.

Ms Carnabuci’s imminent departure is expected to be discussed at the ABC’s all-day board meeting on Wednesday.

The job advertisement was posted online on December 14. It states the successful applicant “will provide leadership and guidance to ensure the legal services delivered to the ABC will enable the organisation to achieve its strategy”.

It also states they will need “strong general commercial skills including knowledge of contracting, defamation, copyright and other relevant laws and an understanding of the digital environment in which the ABC operates”.

An ABC spokeswoman confirmed Ms Carnabuci made the decision to leave the public broadcaster in November “to pursue career opportunities as a non-executive director”.

She also said Ms Carnabuci told management of her decision to leave “well before the commencement of any matters involving Mr Porter”.

“The recruitment process for general counsel is still under way and we will make an announcement when it is complete,” she said.

Ms Carnabuci has been heavily involved in the defamation proceedings relating to Mr Porter and was questioned at Senate estimates this week alongside ABC’s managing director David Anderson.