Fairfax Media can reveal Alex Turnbull called Justin Milne and demanded an investigation into an audio leak.
Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie earned $70,000 more this year than last,before getting unceremoniously sacked in September.
Between Luke Foley and Michelle Guthrie,the ABC's doing more internal investigation than journalism.
Liberal senator and ABC critic Eric Abetz accused Mr Anderson of attempting to"game the system".
Former ABC boss Michelle Guthrie is taking the national broadcaster to the Fair Work Commission after her unceremonious axing last month.
The head of the communications department said a key dossier was"not available"to his inquiry.
In a nine-page report,the communications secretary said he was"not in a position"to evaluate competing claims.
In taking up the fight for independence the new ABC boss should be open about the importance of depth.
Communications Minister Mitch Fifield already has in hand a document that could create further upheaval at the public broadcaster.
Directors agreed to hire an independent expert to probe the allegations at a board meeting on September 23.
The ABC is protecting our democracy from within.