Journalists at the ABC are beyond disappointed by revelations on Media Watch, showing that the ABC Chair, Kim Williams, has inappropriately intervened to gain promotion for an old acquaintance of his, overriding the editorial judgement of staff.

We are also shocked by his arrogant attitude to the professional staff that work in our regional bureaus, who work every day to uphold the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics, which demands independence.

The fact that this comes just months after staff expressed disgust at the previous Chair and MD breaching the ABC’s independence around the sacking of Antoinette Lattouf, makes the revelations all the more galling.

Since the airing of Media Watch on Monday night, MEAA delegates have heard more stories of a similar nature and are now consulting members to confirm their experiences.

These are not appropriate actions for the chair of the ABC - a position that is appointed directly by government.

In February, a meeting of 200 ABC staff said: “ABC staff work tirelessly to build and maintain the ABC’s independence and integrity. It is the board’s legal duty to protect that independence and integrity. But time and again we see ABC chairs and managing directors do the opposite.”

MEAA members demanded an independent inquiry to examine the breaches of independence under the leadership of Justin Milne and Ita Buttrose. The ABC MEAA National House Committee reiterates that call, and demands any such inquiry be given broad-ranging powers to investigate potential breaches by Kim Williams too.

The House Committee will begin consulting widely to determine the appropriate form of such an inquiry.

In the meantime, ABC staff need a commitment from Kim Williams that he will cease these inappropriate actions that undermine the ABC’s independence.

Members are also deeply concerned about the attitude shown by senior managers, who appear to have aided Mr Williams’ efforts on some occasions. We were also disappointed to see that Mr Gutman sent an abusive text message to an ABC staff member and call upon managers and senior leadership to do better to support staff and allow them to do their jobs without harassment or interference.