Former Liberal Party national president Tony Staley, is the latest name to be proposed to replace Michael Kroger on the ABC board when the seat becomes vacant in February. Peter Reith was earlier proposed for the position, but his chances of being nominated have declined in the face of strong lobbying against him.

Staley has a wealth of communications experience and is well respected in Community Broadcasting circles for his long commitment to public sector broadcasting and his policy expertise.

The Australian this week has revealed that Staley was the head of a company “accused of exploiting a tax loophole to benefit from a federal funding scheme,” which may hinder his ABC board chances.

The federal Opposition has “vehemently opposed” the inclusion of Mr Staley on the ABC shortlist, citing his involvement in the company (Australian Computing and Communications Institute).

“It goes without saying that Staley is marginally less offensive than Reith, but Staley is just another Liberal Party hack,” acting Opposition communications spokesman Stephen Conroy told The Australian.

“It’s yet another political appointment and about time we brought the ABC board in line with the BBC – selection by an independent panel,” said Senator Conroy.

Communications Minister Alston’s office has said it does not intend to rush through an appointment and that any nomination for the board seat will be discussed in cabvarchar(15).