"We never cease to be amazed at the lengths this government is going to, to politicise the ABC", said Judith Rodriguez, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC.

"All Australians who value the ABC will be shocked at the abolition of the sole position on the ABC Board which is guaranteed to have an interest in the ABC's healthy survival.  

"Whichever way the Government dresses it up, plans to remove the staff-elected director from the ABC Board are another cynical step in its efforts to control the independent broadcaster.

"The staff-elected director provides valuable input from the people who produce the programs. A staff position becomes even more important on occasions the government has appointed to the board no people with public broadcasting experience.

"Importantly, the staff-elected position on the ABC Board provides a balance against any government stacking the board.

"The government's efforts to undermine the ABC's independence must stop.  The ABC is not meant to be a propaganda tool of government.

"The partisan way in which governments make appointments to the Board is the problem - not the sole position elected by the broadcaster's staff.  

"What is urgently needed, is a new assessment process for government appointments  - one that is merit-based, transparent and independent of government," said Judith Rodriguez.