Thread by @politicsabc

WATCH: Communications Minister @SenatorFifield is speaking now about the ABC board ab.co/2oQofnS

@SenatorFifield Communications Minister @SenatorFifield: "This has been a difficult week for the ABC but its important work continues." #auspol

.@SenatorFifield says the Government is "deeply committed" to the independence of the ABC. "As the Minister for Communications, I have always respected the independence of the ABC." #auspol

.@SenatorFifield says "at no stage, and in no way, shape or form, have I ever sought to involve myself in staffing matters in the ABC" #auspol

More from @SenatorFifield: "Nor, for that matter, am I aware of any member of the Government who has sought to do so and that includes the former prime minister, who has spoken to these matters overnight." #auspol

@SenatorFifield .@SenatorFifield says he has "only ever raised with the ABC matters in relation to facts in reporting", estimates he has done so on half a dozen occasions. He says he's made reference to the particular reporter in some of those instances.

.@SenatorFifield repeats: "I have never sought to have any employee of the ABC removed from their position. That has never happened." #auspol

.@SenatorFifield describes former PM @TurnbullMalcolm as a "very mellow individual" and says Mr Turnbull "only, to my knowledge, raised issues of fact in relation to reports by journalists" #auspol

Asked whether ABC chairman Justin Milne should remain in his position, @SenatorFifield says: "It's a matter for every high office holder to continually assess whether they retain the capacity to effectively discharge the duties of their office." #auspol

.@SenatorFifield says he informed Justin Milne yesterday that Communications Department secretary Mike Mrdak would be carrying out an inquiry. #auspol

The ABC understands an urgent board meeting to determine Justin Milne's fate as chairman will be held today. Here's the latest ab.co/2OOaErQ #auspol