ABC chairman Justin Milne has resigned amid an ongoing scandal at the national broadcaster, with a government department now investigating allegations of political interference.
The resignation comes following an emergency meeting of the ABC board, for which Mr Milne was not present.
"My aim has been to look after the interests of the corporation," Mr Milne told the ABC, confirming he would step down.
Earlier, prime Minister Scott Morrison described allegations Mr Milne demanded the sackings of senior journalists as “very concerning”, but has denied the pressure was a consequence of political pressure from the Coalition.
The Labor opposition had said it no longer had “confidence” in his leadership and described his position as “untenable”.
“They're pretty serious allegations I've got to say. And on the face of it they’re very concerning,” Mr Morrison said.
The prime minister said he would not “prejudge” a recently announced Communications department inquiry into alleged political interference.
Meanwhile, the ABC board has met without Mr Milne present and has reportedly agreed to ask the chairman to step down, at least while the inquiry is running. The communications minsiter said he expected the inquiry to take "days, not weeks".
One ABC radio host in Melbourne, Raf Epstein, said he understood the board was not "issuing demands" to Mr Milne but was discussing his future with him.
