ABC chairman Justin Milne made the shock announcement, saying the directors resolved it was not in the best interests of the ABC for Ms Guthrie to continue to lead the organisation.
Ms Guthrie said she felt her termination was not justified, and she was considering her legal options.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government would not seek a "please explain" from the ABC board.
"I spoke to the Communications Minister last night who advised me about the decision of the board," he said.
"Let's not forget, they're an independent board. It's their job. They would need to have gone through all the proper processes to make the decision they have.
"I want to see an ABC that's strong and doing its job and that's well run. That's what the board is responsible for.
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