‘Giant of Australia’s media industry’: Ita Buttrose to end five-year tenure as ABC chair in March

ABC chair Ita Buttrose will not be seeking to be reappointed to the role, meaning her five-year tenure will come to an end in March.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland revealed the news in a statement on Tuesday and thanked Buttrose for “her outstanding leadership of the national broadcaster” since 2019.

Buttrose, 81, was appointed chair in 2019 by former prime minister Scott Morrison following a period of “great organisational upheaval” at the broadcaster.

Ita Buttrose will not seek to be reappointed as ABC chair in 2024. (Jessica Hromas)

“Buttrose was the right Chair for the right time,” Rowland said.

”Buttrose is a giant of Australia’s media industry, and the Government thanks her for her exemplary service as Chair of the ABC.”

Rowland said Buttrose is a “formidable corporate leader” and will leave the ABC stronger than it was in 2019.

“She navigated the public broadcaster through a challenging period that included strident political criticism, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing transformation of the ABC so it can remain an essential part of Australian life in the digital age,” Rowland said.

“The Government respects Ms Buttrose’s decision and wishes her well for the remainder of her term and her future endeavours.”

A selection process for a new chair will begin in “due course”, the communications minister said. (AAP)

Buttrose will remain the chair until her term expires in March next year.

The government will soon begin a selection process to appoint the next chair.

The panel for a new chair will be independent but will be supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and an external executive search agency.