This is a really interesting case. I’m a little surprised at the result, to be honest. While I agree with it (she was absolutely taken off the air for her political opinions), I also concede that the ABC did in fact pay her to the end of her 5-day contract.
Hopefully the next time a bunch of special interest people put pressure on the ABC, they’ll have more of a spine about it. Honestly, what possible power did 100-150 or so people have over the ABC that the’d fold so easily? It boggles the brain. Oh no! 0.0008% of Australians really don’t like an employee! Let’s get rid of her!
The Murdoch media living rent free in their heads.
I also concede that the ABC did in fact pay her to the end of her 5-day contract
I don’t think that was a relevant fact, legally speaking.
It is kinda relevant. If you are hired to do a job for five days. And you are paid the agreed amount for those five days, even if you are told you don’t need to come to work days 4 & 5, are you actually that hard done by? What damages are you seeking?
I mean - the court answered this question: Justice Rangiah said the “appropriate award of compensation” for non-economic loss was $70,000.
The ABC recognised they did her wrong. My biggest concern with Aunty’s response is this “We extend our sincere apologies to Ms Lattouf and wish her well in her future endeavours.”That sounds like a ‘we will not be hiring you again’ to me. After recognising they shouldn’t have taken her off the air. I think they should have her back.
Paragraphs 172 and 207 show then–editorial director Simon Melkman explaining in pretty damn clear terms why the actions they would end up taking were a terrible idea. Shame on the ABC for continuing this any further than that.
Link to the full decision for those interested: https://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/single/2025/2025fca0669
Good, the ABC should be standing up for their presenters, even short term contracfors - not firing them to appease reactionary mobs. Especially not mobs bought and paid for by international interests that go against our own domestic interests. Shameful.
Need to drop all the neocons that the LNP stuffed into the ABC board and leadership - I don’t understand why Labor hasnt made it a priority. We currently have a former Foxtel and News Limited media executive, Kim Williams (whom is also an Israel hawk) as the ABC chair ffs.
They were mad to run the case, the only shame is everyone involved at management level is already gone from the ABC.
The ABC appointed a new General Counsel in April, so there’s not even that head left to roll, although of course the old one may have advised against running the case and been overruled for all we know.
