Ben Butler has resigned as chair of the Walkley Awards judging board amid allegations that he directed a threatening remark toward a young female staff member at the ABC. The Walkley Foundation for Excellence in Journalism announced on Wednesday that Butler would be replaced by Gay Alcorn, a senior journalist affiliated with The Age in Melbourne.

Butler, a two-time Walkley Award recipient, had been serving as chair of the judging board since April. His resignation follows reports that he was overheard during a heated phone conversation with an interstate colleague, after which he allegedly said loudly, “She should be killed and buried in a shallow grave.” This incident, reported by ABC staff members, prompted complaints within the Melbourne newsroom and led to Butler’s suspension pending an internal investigation.

The ABC confirmed that Butler stepped down from his role before the completion of the investigation into his workplace conduct. Prior to his position at the ABC, Butler held roles at several prominent Australian media outlets, including The Guardian, Herald Sun, The Age, and The Australian.

The Walkley Foundation, which oversees the judging board responsible for upholding the integrity of Australia’s premier journalism awards, described the board as composed of senior and diverse media professionals appointed by its directors. In a statement, foundation chief executive Shona Martyn praised Alcorn’s appointment, highlighting her extensive experience and commitment to quality journalism.

Alcorn, a three-time Walkley Award winner, has held numerous senior editorial positions including editor roles at The Age, The Sunday Age, and Good Weekend Magazine. She was also Melbourne editor for Guardian Australia until 2019. Having served on the Walkley judging board from 2008 to 2011, she returned in 2025 and will now assume the chair role and join the Walkley Foundation’s board of directors.

In her new capacity, Alcorn will oversee the final selection of overall Walkley Award winners following initial judging rounds and will represent the foundation publicly. She described the Walkley Awards as a “premier” recognition of Australian journalism and expressed her honour in contributing to the process.

The Walkley Foundation’s announcement did not clarify whether Butler remains a member of the judging panel following his resignation as chair.