Antoinette Lattouf Wins Case Against ABC Over Unlawful Termination Linked to Gaza Comments
Federal Court Finds ABC Breached Fair Work Act in Dismissing Broadcaster
[AUSTRALIA] – The ABC has been found to have breached the Fair Work Act in the way it terminated casual broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf, after she expressed political opinions critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In a significant ruling handed down by the Federal Court, Justice Darryl Rangiah concluded that the broadcaster dismissed Lattouf, at least in part, because she held and expressed a political opinion – a violation of protections afforded under employment law.
As part of the ruling, the ABC has been ordered to pay $70,000 in compensation to Lattouf for non-economic loss, with a further hearing scheduled to determine whether the broadcaster will also face a pecuniary penalty.
Judge: ABC Reacted to ‘Orchestrated Campaign’
Justice Rangiah noted that senior management at the ABC were in a “state of panic” after receiving pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists to remove Lattouf from the air. The court found this pressure played a role in the ABC’s decision to abruptly end her employment.
The judgment highlights concerns about the impact of external lobbying on journalistic independence and the ability of media organisations to protect staff from political backlash.
ABC Apologises, Reviews Public Comment Policy
Following the court’s decision, ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks issued a public apology to Lattouf, acknowledging the broadcaster’s mishandling of the situation and the distress it caused.
“We acknowledge that the process around Ms Lattouf’s termination fell short,” Marks said. “We are reviewing our internal policies and will soon introduce updated public comment guidelines to replace the existing social media framework.”
This signals a shift in the ABC’s approach to how its employees engage with politically sensitive issues on personal platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
A Win for Workplace Rights and Free Expression
The ruling is being seen as a landmark case on workplace rights, particularly in relation to freedom of political opinion and the use of social media by journalists and media professionals.
Lattouf, who is of Lebanese descent and has spoken publicly on Middle East issues, had faced backlash for her pro-Palestinian posts. Her dismissal in late 2023 sparked public outcry, including concerns about racism, censorship, and political pressure within the national broadcaster.
What Happens Next?
- $70,000 compensation has already been awarded to Lattouf
- A follow-up hearing will determine whether the ABC will pay a financial penalty
- The ABC is expected to release new public comment guidelines for staff in the coming months
The case may set a precedent for how Australian employers, particularly in the media sector, handle the expression of political views in the workplace.
