An Australian court ruled that a journalist was wrongfully dismissed due to her critical stance on Israel's actions in Gaza, prompting discussions on media impartiality and censorship.
Australian Court Rules Journalist Wrongfully Dismissed Over Israel Critique
Australian Court Rules Journalist Wrongfully Dismissed Over Israel Critique
The Federal Court determines journalist's removal for political expression breaches labor laws.
An Australian court has found that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) unlawfully dismissed journalist Antoinette Lattouf due to her vocal criticisms regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. The court's ruling, issued on June 25, 2025, emphasized that her removal from the air, which occurred in December 2023, violated labor laws and ordered the ABC to compensate her AUS$70,000 (approximately US$45,500).
Lattouf, a freelance contributor at ABC, had been taken off a morning radio slot shortly after sharing an Instagram post that referenced a Human Rights Watch report accusing Israel of weaponizing starvation in the Gaza conflict. Despite the ABC's claims that she breached social media guidelines, Justice Darryl Rangiah stated that her dismissal was fundamentally tied to her expression of a political opinion, thus infringing upon her rights under Australian labor laws.
Lattouf's firing ignited significant controversy within the ABC, stirring debates about the responsibilities of the public broadcaster in covering sensitive issues surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. The decision came after an organized campaign against Lattouf, with criticisms suggesting she was biased and antisemitic. During her brief stint hosting “Sydney Mornings,” complaints flooded the ABC, ultimately leading to her removal from the airwaves just three days into her five-day hosting contract.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within Australia's media landscape regarding the coverage of international conflicts and raises important questions about journalistic freedom, censorship, and the role of public broadcasters in navigating political discourse. Following the ruling, it remains to be seen whether the ABC will face additional penalties during forthcoming legal proceedings.
