ABC's future boss, David Anderson, has asked for a dismissal from Michelle Guthrie

Senator Abetz – a bitter critic of the ABC – said it was extremely worrying that Mr. Anderson "tried to play with the system to get a layoff without firing".

"This is an extremely disturbing and inappropriate conduct that calls into question Mr. Anderson's judgment and his ability to continue to badume the role of Chief Executive Officer," he said.

During a difficult appearance before the Senate – the first since the dismissal of Ms. Guthrie and the resignation of former President Justin Milne -, the ABC and the Communications Department have presented evidence conflicting reports about a government inquiry into the events of last month.

Mr. Anderson said he did not remember that the department's secretary, Mike Mrdak, had specifically asked for an eleven-page critical document, the "Guthrie file," which was given to the ABC committee by Ms. Guthrie two days before she was fired.

But Mr Anderson also said that he had asked for a legal opinion on the handing over of the document and had refused, saying that it was "a confidential document between the l & # 39; former managing director and the board of directors ".

Mr. Mrdak stated that he thought he had asked for the file in writing and in discussions with Mr. Anderson. At the beginning of Tuesday's hearing, he acknowledged that the record was "very relevant" to his investigation, but later acknowledged that it was "irrelevant" to establish the facts of this case. which had happened.

Fairfax Media obtained a copy of the file the week that Ms. Guthrie was fired and returned the content – but neither the ABC, nor Mrs. Guthrie nor Mr. Milne gave it back. Mr. Mrdak's investigation.

The file contained a number of allegations regarding Mr. Milne's attempts to intervene with ABC staff and editorial issues, as well as about the behavior of the former president at the time. In regards to Ms. Guthrie.

Mr. Mrdak acknowledged that he had not requested the document from any member of the ABC Board of Directors, including Acting President Kirstin Ferguson, nor to an interview with a member. of the board of directors, arguing that it was useless.

In the record, Ms. Guthrie indicated that she had complained as early as May 3 to Dr. Ferguson of Mr. Milne's behavior, stating in an email "I can not do it anymore" and expressing "a huge frustration "during a later telephone conversation with Dr. Ferguson.

At Tuesday's hearing, Mr. Anderson stated that no ABC board member had asked for his opinion on Ms. Guthrie's performance, and she # 39; management team had not discussed any concerns either. He said he was "surprised" by Ms. Guthrie's dismissal, describing her as "extraordinary".

Minister of Communications Mitch Fifield would not guarantee that the next president of ABC will be appointed by the independent merit-based selection committee, noting that the decision belongs to the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister ignores the opinion of the committee, he must present his reasons to Parliament.