How ABC boss will be rich for LIFE – despite quitting his job today: Staggering details emerge about the pension you will be paying for

Outgoing ABC executive David Anderson will remain one of the country’s highest earners for the rest of his life despite quitting his $1.15 million job — and it’s all because of you.

Mr Anderson, 54, stepped down after just 14 months of his second five-year term at the public broadcaster, but confirmed he will stay on until the new year.

According to the ABC’s annual report for the 2022-2023 financial year, the company’s top executive received a total compensation package of $1,156,969, an increase of $120,000 from the previous year.

Mr Anderson, who started working for the Adelaide public broadcaster as a bicycle courier in 1989 and worked for the ABC for 35 years, is entitled to an annual CPI-indexed pension of at least 37 per cent of his final salary under the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme.

That brings the outgoing ABC boss’s total annual taxpayer-funded pension to almost $430,000 – more than four and a half times the national average income.

However, sources within the ABC have suggested that Anderson may have negotiated an even higher pension package.

Meanwhile, highly regarded former Foxtel and Nine executive Amanda Laing is already seen as the firm favourite to succeed Anderson when he steps down next year.

Mr. Anderson was appointed to a second term in 2023, but will step down once a replacement is found.

Foxtel and Nine executive Amanda Laing is seen as the hot favourite for the ABC role

In a message to all ABC employees on Thursday, he said he expected to remain in the role until at least early 2025.

Mr Anderson said he was grateful to new chair Kim Williams and the board for their support and efforts to convince him to stay on for a full second term.

“Their unashamed enthusiasm for the company’s interests and future makes this decision easier,” he said.

“I am confident that the timing is right for me and the ABC.”

Mr Williams, former CEO of News Limited who succeeded Ita Buttrose as chairman in March, said the delayed resignation would ensure a smooth transition and praised Mr Anderson.

“I must say that my admiration for him and his dedication to the ABC remains undiminished and my respect only increases,” he said.

“He is an exemplary administrator in many ways.”

Mr Anderson informed ABC staff of his decision on Thursday. Pictured are News Breakfast presenters Michael Rowland and Lisa Millar

The ABC reported that the recruitment process will begin soon.

In January, ABC workers who were members of the union voted in favour of a vote of no confidence in Mr Anderson, saying he had “failed to protect the integrity of the ABC and its workforce from external attacks”.

The ABC board rejected the union’s claim and unanimously voted no confidence in Mr Anderson.