The Australian Broadcasting Corporation faced backlash after Antoinette Lattouf was removed from her position for criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, a decision deemed unlawful by the Federal Court.**
Australian Court Rules in Favor of Journalist Dismissed Over Gaza Commentary**
Australian Court Rules in Favor of Journalist Dismissed Over Gaza Commentary**
A significant ruling found that the ABC's termination of journalist Antoinette Lattouf violated labor laws, underscoring concerns around press freedom.**
On June 25, 2025, an Australian court delivered a landmark decision regarding press freedom and ethical journalism, ruling that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) wrongfully terminated journalist Antoinette Lattouf. The ruling came after Lattouf, a freelance journalist, expressed her political opinions on social media concerning Israel's military actions in Gaza, specifically highlighting a Human Rights Watch report that accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in the conflict.
Antoinette Lattouf's dismissal in December 2023 sparked significant debate and controversy within the Australian media landscape. ABC officials justified her removal by citing a violation of social media guidelines, arguing that as a freelance contractor filling in for a radio program, she was not officially fired. However, Justice Darryl Rangiah of the Federal Court ruled that Lattouf's expression of dissent was a factor in her termination, calling it a clear violation of labor laws protecting journalists' rights to voice their opinions.
In light of this ruling, the court ordered the ABC to pay Lattouf compensation of 70,000 Australian dollars (approximately $45,500), with further financial penalties under consideration as additional legal processes unfold. The case illustrates broader tensions within the media about the balance between editorial integrity and political expression, particularly in the context of Israel-Palestine relations.
Lattouf, known for her outspoken commentary on Gaza, had begun a short term as a fill-in host on the ABC's "Sydney Mornings" radio show just weeks after the war escalated following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Her presence on the platform elicited a wave of complaints—characterized by the court as an "orchestrated campaign"—challenging her impartiality and accusing her of antisemitism. This incident underscores the critical discussions surrounding media bias, journalistic freedom, and the accountability of public broadcasters in reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues.
