Antoinette Lattouf vs ABC Update: How the Australian Journalist Defeated One of the World's Biggest Broadcasters

In a case that has gained attention and has started national debate over media freedom and workplace rights, Australian journalist Antoinette Lattouf has secured a major legal victory against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The Federal Court has ruled that ABC unlawfully terminated Lattouf's employment due to her political views, awarding her $70,000 in compensation. According to reports, ABC spent over $1.1 million defending the case, despite rejecting an earlier $85,000 settlement offer.

The decision, delivered by Justice Darryl Rangiah on Wednesday, marks a turning point for political expression protections in Australian workplaces, especially in media organisations where editorial policies are constantly scrutinised.

The Social Media Post That Started the Controversy

Lattouf, a Lebanese-Australian seasoned journalist and long-time advocate on issues like media diversity and mental health, was hired for a week-long stint on ABC Radio Sydney in December 2023. Her contract was abruptly cut short after she reshared a Human Rights Watch post stating that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, a claim Israel denies.

What happened next was that the ABC executives were not happy with Lattouf's social media post and claimed that it breached impartiality guidelines.

However, the court found that Lattouf had only been 'advised' not to post anything controversial and had not been given direct instruction. Justice Rangiah concluded her dismissal was driven by her political opinion, not any proven misconduct.

In the courtroom, as Justice Rangiah handed down his findings, Lattouf reportedly broke down in tears. Speaking outside the court, she said, 'Deliberately starving and killing children is a war crime. Today, the court has found that punishing someone for sharing facts about these war crimes is also illegal. I was punished for my political opinion.'

According to reports, many supporters of Lattouf gathered outside the courthouse, waving Palestinian flags and signs, celebrating the verdict as a victory for free speech.

Judgment Revealed Internal Dynamic of ABC

Meanwhile, documents revealed in court painted a troubling picture of internal ABC dynamics. A wave of complaints, many from pro-Israel lobbyists, triggered panic among senior figures, including former ABC chair Ita Buttrose and ex-managing director David Anderson.

Justice Rangiah found Buttrose had a 'strong belief that Ms Lattouf was an activist who should have never been engaged by the ABC,' and wanted her 'gone as soon as possible.' Former chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor, who reportedly decided to remove Lattouf from the air, acted without solid grounds, according to the judgment.

'Mr Oliver-Taylor knew Ms Lattouf had not been given any direction not to post anything about the Israel/Gaza war,' the judge said. 'He had no more than a suspicion that she may have breached some policy or guideline.'

According to the court's decision, ABC breached Section 772 of the Fair Work Act, which protects employees from termination based on political opinion.

ABC's Response and Promises of Reform

In a post-verdict statement, newly appointed ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks acknowledged the broadcaster's failings.

'It's clear this matter was not handled in line with our values and expectations,' Marks said. 'It has caused concerns to be expressed about the ABC's independence and integrity, which are critical to the great trust the Australian public places in us.'

Marks also confirmed that ABC's social media guidelines have been reviewed and updated.

While Lattouf's legal battle may have reached a fair conclusion, the case has started a wider conversation about ABC's editorial independence, workplace culture, and treatment of staff from diverse backgrounds. Among other claims, Lattouf reportedly also said that she faced racial bias from the broadcaster, but the court dismissed this claim as there was no supporting evidence.

Meanwhile, further penalties against the ABC may still be determined in the coming weeks, as the court considers whether to impose additional fines for the unlawful termination.