BUSINESSWOMAN, journalist and former magazine editor Ita Buttrose has reportedly been approved as the next chair of the ABC by the Morrison government.
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Federal cabinet has signed off on the appointment of the 77-year-old, and the decision is likely to be announced within days, say media reports.
The development comes after the rancorous exits six months ago of then-chair Justin Milne and managing director Michelle Guthrie.
Reports emerged on Monday that Ms Buttrose, the 2013 Australian of the Year, was shaping up as the government's pick for the national broadcaster's top job.
Communications Minister Bridget McKenzie said at the time a decision has not yet been made.
But when asked about the potential appointment, Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Ms Buttrose as an "extraordinary Australian".
"There have been few people more than Ita that I think have lifted the standards of journalism in this country," he told ABC News.
"That says a lot about her character and her abilities."
Mr Morrison also confirmed Ms Buttrose was not on a shortlist of candidates prepared by an independent nomination panel.
Labor leader Bill Shorten said Ms Buttrose is a well-respected Australian, but raised concerns that she was not canvassed through the government's headhunting process.
"Her name has risen to be chair of the ABC because the company the government contracted couldn't even get the process right and now we've got more political interference," he said on Monday.
Former chair Justin Milne stood down in September after being accused of encouraging ex-managing director Michelle Guthrie to fire some journalists, claims he has denied.
Ms Guthrie had been sacked just days earlier.
Australian Associated Press
