The ABC has appointed television veteran Ray Martin to conduct an audit of its flagship panel program Q&A, which has been mired in controversy after it invited a former terror suspect to ask a question live on air.

The ABC board also announced on Wednesday that the program's executive producer, Peter McEvoy, has received a formal warning for misconduct for last Monday's episode, featuring Zaky Mallah.

The board agreed with its management's view that there had been an "error of judgment" in allowing Mr Mallah to appear live on air to ask junior minister Steve Ciobo a question on the government's proposed citizenship laws.

"Given his criminal background and past public statements, the live broadcast meant that the ABC was not in a position to manage unpredictable or inappropriate actions or responses," the board said in a statement.