Journalist Antoinette Lattouf has been awarded $70,000 in compensation after the Federal Court found she was unlawfully terminated by the ABC.
The case followed Lattouf’s removal from air just three days into a five-day casual presenting role at ABC Radio Sydney in December 2023.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, ABC Managing Director David Anderson said: “The ABC acknowledges today’s Federal Court decision in the matter involving Antoinette Lattouf. Despite the Corporation’s best efforts, the matter was not able to be resolved before Court proceedings, which is regrettable.”
The organisation also admitted shortcomings in its handling of the matter. “Regardless of the outcome today, it’s clear the matter was not handled in line with our values and expectations,” the statement said. “We also let down our staff and audiences, and this failure has caused understandable concern among the public and inside the organisation.”
Referring to the court’s finding, the ABC said: “In this case the judge found the correct processes weren’t followed and, consequently, errors were made.” The organisation added: “We regret how the decision to remove Ms Lattouf from air was handled and the distress occasioned her.” The ABC extended “sincere apologies to Ms Lattouf and wish her well in her future endeavours.”
The statement also addressed concerns about editorial integrity: “This matter 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.” It continued: “Any undue influence or pressure on ABC management or any of its employees must always be guarded against.”
On diversity and public commentary, the ABC said: “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.”
The ABC also said its Personal Use of Social Media Guidelines would be replaced: “Due to confusion expressed about the Personal Use of Social Media Guidelines, which was canvassed during the case, these have been reviewed and will be replaced with new Public Comment Guidelines.”
The statement concluded: “There’s much to consider in the decision and we’ll now carefully review it.”