Michelle Guthrie sues ABC over dismissal

The ABC says it will defend its decision to sack Michelle Guthrie after the former managing director filed a lawsuit against the public broadcaster.

The suit filed in a Perth court also names former chairman Justin Milne and non-executive directors Joe Gersh, Vanessa Guthrie and Donny Walford as respondents, The Australian reports.

Ms Guthrie's removal in late September sparked a bitter public quarrel that also saw Mr Milne leave the ABC.

In the lawsuit filed last week, Ms Guthrie claims she was fired over complaints she had made about Mr Milne.

An ABC spokeswoman denied this to The Australian.

"Ms Guthrie was dismissed because the board had lost confidence in her. She was not dismissed because of any complaints she had made. Ms Guthrie also alleges that she could not be dismissed during her term. The corporation disputes that this is the case. Ms Guthrie's termination was lawful," the spokeswoman said.