

Why the ABC lost an unfair dismissal case
7 snips Jun 26, 2025
A recent court ruling found that journalist Antoinette Lattouf was unlawfully dismissed by the ABC after sharing a social media post about the Israel-Palestine conflict. The case raises important questions about workplace rights and freedom of expression in the media. It highlights the impact of political opinions on journalism and the pressures faced from external lobbying groups. Additionally, the financial implications of such legal battles illustrate the evolving nature of employment law in Australia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lattouf's Radio Hosting and Dismissal
- Antoinette Lattouf was hired by the ABC for a week-long Sydney radio hosting role in December 2023.
- She was dismissed early after sharing a Human Rights Watch post about Gaza, despite prior advice that factual posts were fine.
External Pressure Influenced ABC Decision
- Senior ABC figures panicked due to external pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists.
- This influenced the decision to dismiss Lattouf to appease complaints about her perceived views.
Court Upholds Free Speech Protection
- The court ruled Lattouf was unfairly dismissed for expressing a public political opinion, protecting free speech.
- It rejected claims that her race or national identity caused the dismissal.