The MEAA’s media director Cassie Derrick said the direct intervention of ABC managing director David Anderson had dramatically improved talks.

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“Clearly, the threat of industrial action has helped to focus ABC’s management’s mind, as has the outpouring of support for our members from ABC viewers and listeners,” Derrick said.

“It was a turning point to have ... David Anderson directly involved in negotiations after management stonewalled for months. ABC management now must begin to rebuild trust with its workforce.”

In an email on Tuesday evening, Anderson thanked staff for their commitment to the ABC during the negotiations.

“We wanted to put our offer to employees as soon as possible to ensure any approved salary increases are with employees as quickly as possible,” Anderson said.

“However, the unions have today requested additional time to raise drafting issues and we have agreed to their request. As a result we will hold off putting the offer to employees to allow time for this process.”

The new offer, once signed, will give ABC staff a pay rise of 11 per cent over three years, backdated to October 1, 2022. They will also receive a one-off $1500 bonus, an audit of the gender and cultural diversity pay gap, and a new framework for career progression.

“This has never been just about pay,” Derrick said.

Once signed, the new three-year enterprise agreement will put an end to a difficult nine months for ABC staff and management, who have been at loggerheads over key pay and working conditions.