“The ABC advised the business decision placed the ABC in a better position to facilitate a swift resolution to the Dr Laming proceedings and to assist the progress of the separate legal proceedings,” Mr Hehir wrote in a letter responding to Senator Abetz, published on the Australian National Audit Office website on Monday.

“To the ANAO’s knowledge there is no documented advice which was prepared to support the appropriateness of the decision to meet the costs of an employee.”

Mr Hehir’s response also revealed the total bill to be paid by the ABC was “in the vicinity of $200,000” and said the events exposed weaknesses and risk in the broadcaster’s social media policies, which ABC management updated following Milligan’s settlement with Dr Laming in early August.Senator Abetz, a vocal critic of the public broadcaster, wrote to Mr Hehir in August requesting he review the “appropriateness” the ABC using public funds to settle the case. At the time, the ABC justified the decision on the grounds of “particular and exceptional circumstances”.

Mr Hehir said it was the duty of the ABC board or its delegates to ensure the proper use of public resources by balancing the perceived business advantages against the financial costs. But in the absence “of any ABC policy, precedent, or process in place for this payment,” Mr Hehir said he was unable to assess the ABC’s decision in line with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.“Given the available information, I do not believe I would be able to form a view on the appropriateness of this decision,” Mr Hehir wrote.