Sacked journo takes ABC to trial over anti-Israel post

The unfair dismissal case of Antoinette Lattouf (right) against the ABC will head to trial. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Journalist Antoinette Lattouf's unfair dismissal claim against the ABC will go to trial after mediation talks failed following her sacking over an anti-Israel post.

Lattouf called Tuesday's failed mediation efforts with the public broadcast "incredibly disheartening", but she said she would not stop in her campaign.

"Despite how hard this has been on me and how unfair it is, let me be clear - I WILL NOT STOP," she said in a statement posted on social media.

"I will not stop fighting for press freedom. I will not stop fighting for human rights.

"I won't stop fighting for a brave and independent ABC, a public broadcaster that doesn't bow to lobby groups."

Lattouf was contracted by the ABC for a fill-in position on the Sydney mornings radio program between December 18 and 22.

But she was dismissed three days into the contract after sharing a Human Rights Watch post on her Instagram page alleging the Israeli government used starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.

She subsequently lodged cases for unfair dismissal against the broadcaster in the Federal Court and with the Fair Work Commission.

In a statement of claim presented to the court, Lattouf alleged the ABC contravened its own enterprise agreement and fair work laws for terminating her contract when she had not engaged in misconduct. 

Ex-ABC journalist  Antoinette Lattouf arrives at the Federal Court
Antoinette Lattouf claimed the ABC contravened its own enterprise agreement and fair work laws.

She claimed she was told by an ABC manager that the broadcaster had received "a large number of complaints from pro-Israel lobbyists" about her being on air before her dismissal.

The journalist said she was advised at the meeting she should "keep a low profile on Twitter" but could post information from reputable sources such as Amnesty International.

Previous attempts by the ABC to argue Lattouf was not "terminated" within the meaning of the relevant law due to her being on a casual contract were dismissed by the Fair Work Commission.

The ABC declined to comment on the case.

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store