Australia’s ABC Ordered to Compensate Journalist Fired Over Gaza Post

Australia’s public broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), has been ordered to pay a substantial penalty to radio journalist Antoinette Lattouf, who was dismissed over a social media post relating to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Lattouf was terminated in December 2023, just three days into a five-day casual contract. The dismissal followed her reposting of a Human Rights Watch (HRW) video on Instagram about the Gaza conflict, accompanied by the comment: “HRW reporting starvation as a tool of war.”

Federal Court judge Darryl Rangiah previously ruled that the ABC had breached employment law by firing Lattouf “for reasons including that she held political opinions opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.”

On Wednesday, Rangiah emphasised that the broadcaster’s contraventions had “very significant consequences” for Lattouf, noting:

“For most people, employment is not just a source of income, but contributes substantially to their sense of purpose, identity and self-worth.”

The court ordered ABC to pay $98,900, in addition to the $46,100 determined earlier this year. The total amount is to be paid within 28 days, which Rangiah said was “sufficient” to address the impact of the offence.

Lattouf expressed her frustration at the ABC’s legal battle, which she said had cost “well over $2 million of taxpayer money”. She posted on social media:

“Whatever the penalty, for me this was never about money — it’s always been about accountability and the integrity of the information our public broadcaster gives us. I hope the ABC takes this opportunity to restore credibility, regain trust, and re-establish integrity, because our democracy depends on a strong fourth estate.”

Managing Director Hugh Marks stated that the broadcaster would: “…continue to reflect on the Court’s findings. We take the matter seriously and have reflected on the lessons learned and their implications. We must be better.”

Context: Israel-Gaza Conflict

The Gaza war has placed Israel under significant international scrutiny due to the severe humanitarian crisis in the territory. Key developments include:

The ongoing conflict has intensified global attention on Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with civilians bearing the brunt of the crisis.