Buttrose, Ita (1942-…), is an Australian businesswoman, journalist, and author. From 2019 to 2024, she served as chair of the board of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Ita Clare Buttrose was born on Jan. 17, 1942, in Sydney, Australia. She became founding editor of Cleo magazine in 1972. Buttrose became director of Australian Consolidated Press (ACP) in 1974. From 1977 to 1981, she was publisher of all Consolidated Press women’s publications. She was editor in chief of the Sydney newspapers The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph from 1981 to 1984. From 1984 to 1988, Buttrose served as chairwoman of Australia’s National Advisory Committee on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In 1989, Buttrose founded Ita magazine. In the 1980’s, she also hosted television and radio programs. Buttrose has written several books, including an autobiography, A Passionate Life (1998).
In 1979, Buttrose was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for service to journalism. In 1988, she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service to the community, particularly in the fields of medical education and health care. The Order of Australia is Australia’s highest award for service to the country or to humanity. In 2013, Buttrose was named Australian of the Year. In 2019, she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia, a higher level of the order.
