Federal Court Rules ABC Unlawfully Terminated Antoinette Lattouf Over Political Opinion
- Jasmine Ruffilli
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
In a significant employment law decision, the Federal Court has ruled that the ABC unlawfully terminated journalist Antoinette Lattouf in December 2023, in breach of the Fair Work Act, after she shared a Human Rights Watch post critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Justice Darryl Rangiah found that Lattouf’s removal, just three days into a five-day contract to host Sydney Mornings, was influenced by an "orchestrated campaign by pro-Israel lobbyists" and ABC management’s subsequent “state of panic”.

The Court determined that her dismissal was, at least in part, due to her political opinion, which is protected under section 772(1) of the Act.
While the Court rejected claims the dismissal was based on Lattouf’s race or national extraction, it concluded that she had not been given a formal direction to avoid commenting on the Gaza conflict, contrary to the ABC’s claims.
The ABC was ordered to pay $70,000 in compensation for non-economic loss, with a hearing set to determine whether further penalties should be imposed. The case highlights the legal protections afforded to employees and journalists expressing political views and freedom of speech.
This case serves as a clear reminder that no individual or organisation is above the Rule of Law.
The Federal Court published the ‘online file’ due to public interest in this case and decision.
For further information you can visit the following link to access the public file on the Federal Court website: https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/services/access-to-files-and-transcripts/online-files/lattouf-v-abc
NSD189/2024: Antoinette Lattouf v Australian Broadcasting Corporation
ORDER MADE BY: | RANGIAH J |
DATE OF ORDER: | 25 JUNE 2025 |
THE COURT DECLARES THAT:
1. The respondent, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (the ABC) contravened s 772(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FWA) by terminating the employment of the applicant, Antoinette Lattouf, for reasons including that she held a political opinion opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
2. The ABC contravened s 50 of the FWA by contravening cll 55.2.1(a), (b), (c), (f), 55.2.2 and 55.4.1(f) of the ABC Enterprise Agreement 2022–2025.
THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
3. The ABC pay Ms Lattouf compensation of $70,000.
4. The matter be set down for a hearing to determine the question of whether the ABC should be ordered to pay any pecuniary penalty and, if so, in what amount, on a date to be fixed.
5. The parties are to agree upon the procedural steps necessary to bring the question of any pecuniary penalty to a hearing and provide a draft order.
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