Outgoing ABC managing director David Anderson will remain one of the country’s highest earners for the rest of his life despite quitting his $1.15million job – all thanks to you.
Mr Anderson, 54, stood down just 14 months into his second five-year term at the public broadcaster but confirmed that he will stay on into the new year.
According to the ABC’s annual report from the 2022-23 financial year, the corporation’s top executive received a total remuneration package of $1,156,969, increasing year-on-year by $120,000.
Under the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, Mr Anderson, who first joined the public broadcaster as a bike courier in Adelaide in 1989 and enjoyed a 35-year career at the ABC, is entitled to an annual CPI-indexed pension of at least 37 per cent of his final salary.
That would put the outgoing ABC boss’s total taxpayer-funded annual pension at almost $430,000 – more than four-and-a-half times the nation’s average income.
However, sources within the ABC have hinted Mr Anderson may have negotiated an even higher pension package.
Meanwhile, highly regarded former Foxtel and Nine executive Amanda Laing is already being touted as the hot favourite to succeed Mr Anderson after he winds up next year.
Mr Anderson was appointed to a second term in the role in 2023 but will step down once a replacement is found.
ABC managing director David Anderson has announced he’s stepping down from the top job
Foxtel and Nine executive Amanda Laing has been a touted as the hot favourite for the ABC role
In a note to all ABC staff on Thursday, he said he expected to remain in the role until at least the start of 2025.
Mr Anderson said he was grateful to new chair Kim Williams and the board for their support and efforts to persuade him to stay on for a full second term.
‘Their unabashed enthusiasm for the importance and future of the corporation makes this decision easier,’ he said.
‘I am confident the timing is right for both me and the ABC.’
Mr Williams, a former News Limited chief executive who took over from Ita Buttrose as chair in March, said the delayed resignation would ensure a smooth transition and praised Mr Anderson.
‘I have to say my admiration for him and his commitment to the ABC is undiminished and my respect grows ever greater,’ he said.
‘He is an exemplary executive in many ways.’
Mr Anderson informed ABC staff of his decision on Thursday. Pictured are News Breakfast hosts Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar
The recruitment process will begin in due course, the ABC said.
Unionised ABC staff members passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Anderson in January for ‘failing to defend the integrity of the ABC and its staff from outside attacks’.
The ABC board rejected the union’s claim and passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Mr Anderson.
