The national broadcaster could be forced to educate managers on how to properly deal with misconduct allegations after the dismissal of a presenter when she shared a social media post about the conflict in Gaza.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Journalist Antoinette Lattouf was contracted by the ABC for a fill-in position on the Sydney Mornings radio program between December 18 and 22 last year.
But three days into the contract, Lattouf was dismissed after sharing a Human Rights Watch post on her Instagram page alleging the Israeli government had used starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.
She subsequently lodged cases against the broadcaster in the Federal Court and with the Fair Work Commission for unfair dismissal.
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.
She has also asked the court to order the ABC to implement a compliance program for a minimum of 12 months to educate its management on how to properly deal with allegations of misconduct.
Lattouf 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.
She should "keep a low profile on Twitter" but could post information from reputable sources such as Amnesty International, the journalist said she was advised at the meeting.
Lattouf is seeking reinstatement to a commensurate position at the ABC as well as compensation for loss suffered following her dismissal.
At a brief case management hearing on Tuesday, lawyers for Lattouf and the ABC discussed mediation proceedings
Christopher Tran, representing Lattouf, told Justice Darryl Rangiah both parties were interested in entering mediation talks.
"There is no reason to think a mediation won't proceed in an expeditious way," Ian Neil, representing the ABC, said.
Justice Rangiah made orders requiring the ABC to file its defence by March 22 and for Lattouf to respond by March 29.
The case will then be referred for mediation on or after April 1.
The ABC declined to comment.
Australian Associated Press
