ABC chairman hits back over pay deal

The ABC chairman has hit back at criticism from the federal government and Public Service Commissioner about the broadcaster's latest pay deal.

John Lloyd had expressed his "utmost concern" about the wage rise and extra conditions, which includes domestic violence leave, as have cabinet ministers.

But in a letter to Mr Lloyd, James Spigelman writes his "assertion of authority to control the internal staffing policies of the ABC ... is a fundamental challenge to the independence of the ABC from government interference".