ABC rethinks staff guidelines after losing unfair dismissal case over Gaza comments

Australia’s national public broadcaster the ABC will overhaul its guidelines for staff about public comments after losing a court battle with former casual journalist Antoinette Lattouf.

Hugh Marks

The highly politicised court saga was resolved today with the Federal Court of Australia ordering the ABC to pay A$70,000 (US$45,000) to Lattouf after it was found the broadcaster unlawfully terminated her employment over her views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, which were posted on social media.

Last year’s court proceedings included testimony from former ABC chair Ita Buttrose, former chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor and former MD David Anderson, as well as other senior management involved in the dispute.

ABC MD Hugh Marks said it was regrettable the matter was not resolved before the court proceedings and that the issues raised had highlighted inconsistencies in processes.

“Regardless of the outcome today, it’s clear the matter was not handled in line with our values and expectations. We also let down our staff and audiences, and this failure has caused understandable concern among the public and inside the organisation.”

He added that the matter had caused concerns about the ABC’s independence and integrity.

“Concerns were also raised about the ABC’s handling of race and political views. I wish to emphasise the ABC’s absolute commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation, to addressing racism and discrimination of all kinds, and to accurate and impartial journalism,” he said.

Marks said more detail would be provided in the coming weeks on the new guidelines and processes that will be put in place.