ABC chairman Justin Milne
“In resolving to seek fresh leadership, the board’s foremost consideration was the long-term interests of our own people and the millions of Australians who engage with ABC content every week.
“This decision has been driven by our commitment to deliver the best possible outcomes for our loyal audiences and the best possible experience for our own people.
“The board wishes to thank Michelle for her contribution to the ABC. We are very grateful for all her hard work.”
Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie
“I am devastated by the board’s decision to terminate my employment despite no claim of wrongdoing on my part.
“When I joined ABC in 2016, I knew I had an enormous challenge in front of me to break down some of the internal barriers to progress as well as continuing to deliver quality programming for all Australians. In the first two years of my five-year term, I have invested more in investigative journalism; more in regional journalism; more in innovative content; and increased the efficiency and effectiveness of work across the ABC.
“As the first female managing director of the ABC, I felt a tremendous responsibility and unique privilege to lead Australia’s most important cultural institution. At all times I have promoted the ABC’s importance to the community, including having to defend and protect the ABC’s independence.
“The ABC Act fixes the term of appointment of the managing director at five years. My term concludes on 4 July 2021. While my contract permits the board to terminate my appointment without cause and with immediate effect, I believe there is no justification for the board to trigger that termination clause. I am considering my legal options.
“I wanted to continue the transformation of the ABC and to support the great work of ABC’s dedicated and passionate employees to ensure our continuing trust, quality and distinctiveness as the source of Australian culture, conversations and stories. To me, it is the content produced by the ABC that is of primary importance to Australians, with the technology used to deliver that content a distant second.
“At no point have any issues been raised with me about the transformation being undertaken, the Investing in Audiences strategy and my effectiveness in delivering against that strategy.
What on earth is the government’s explanation for Michelle Guthrie’s apparent sacking as head of the ABC. The ABC’s future is owned by all Australians. https://t.co/OrurwOuqDy via @abcnews
— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) September 24, 2018
Communications minister Mitch Fifield
“The government thanks Michelle Guthrie and acknowledges her service as managing director of the ABC for the past two and a half years in what is a challenging and rapidly changing media environment.
“ABC managing directors are appointed by the board. The ABC board has legislated independence in relation to management appointments and the government respects the duty and role of the board in these matters.”
Acting ABC managing director David Anderson
“I recognise the challenges involved in transitions of this kind but I am honoured to accept the board’s invitation and look forward to working with our outstanding people to execute our strategy.”
Community and Public Sector Union’s Sinddy Ealy
“Michelle Guthrie’s lack of passion for the ABC and her tin-ear will not be missed by ABC staff.”
Whoever the next MD is, they need a deep understanding of the history, purpose and importance of an independent public broadcaster, and be ready to fight bare-knuckled to protect it.
— Juanita Phillips (@Juanita_Phillip) September 24, 2018
Journalists’ union MEAA
“We feel it is time for a new vision and new direction for the ABC to emerge, allowing journalists and content makers to get on with the job of serving audiences with the content they trust.”
Four Corners executive producer Sally Neighbour
“Excellent decision.”
Prime minister Scott Morrison
“I want to see an ABC that’s strong and doing its job and the board does as well.”
Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek
“I’ve got to say, I’m perplexed. I heard the report just before this media conference, I had a look at the statement from the board, I don’t think that really clarifies matters.”
I hear Michelle Guthrie is looking for a new job and the ABC is looking for a new Managing Director.
— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) September 24, 2018
This seems like a great chance to bring in someone who will help the ABC become more fair and balanced.
I nominate @PMOnAir. -PH
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young
“Whatever happens next, the ABC needs a strong advocate at the helm who will stand up to the relentless attacks from the Coalition government and their anti-ABC cronies.”
Liberal senator Eric Abetz
“I am hopeful that the new managing director will ensure that that the Ultimo-centric broadcaster is more in line with the aspirations of Australians, including by delivering benefit to the taxpayer, stopping the leftwing bias and bringing an end to the frolics masquerading as news and ‘comedy’ from some ABC employees.”
