Australian journalist wins unfair dismissal case over Gaza post

Antoinette Lattouf said the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) fired her without "proper basis" or "due process" when her five-day contract as a fill-in radio presenter was cut short in December 2023.

Hours before, Lattouf shared a post from Human Rights Watch (HRW) that was critical of Israel, a move that the ABC said breached its editorial policy.

Lattouf sued for wrongful dismissal, claiming she had been fired due to her political views, her race and after lobbying from pro-Israel groups.

Her dismissal triggered a wave of public outrage and created turmoil at the public broadcaster - raising questions over its independence and reviving concerns over how it supports staff, particularly those who are culturally diverse.

Lattouf - who is of Lebanese heritage - has been a regular contributor in Australian media for years, but also made a name for herself as an activist on issues like racism, discrimination in media and mental health.

The ABC disputed that she was fired, because they had paid her contract in full.

On Wednesday, Justice Darryl Rangiah ruled that the ABC did sack Ms Lattouf, for reasons including her opinions on the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. He rejected the allegation she was fired because of her race.

Ms Lattouf was awarded damages of A$70,000 (£33,400, $45,400), but Justice Rangiah said he would hear arguments from both sides on further penalties.