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ABC Costs Soar Past $2.5 Million in Antoinette Lattouf Legal battle
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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has already spent more than $2.5 million in external costs defending legal action brought by journalist and broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf, with the total perhaps rising further, according to managing director Hugh Marks. A Federal Court judge last month ordered the ABC to pay $150,000 to Lattouf, finding the broadcaster breached the Fair Work Act by terminating her employment after she shared a Human Rights Watch post concerning the war in Gaza.
The ruling, coupled with a prior award of $70,000 in compensation for non-economic loss, has triggered a notable financial and reputational challenge for the national broadcaster. The escalating costs were revealed during questioning by Liberal senator Dean Smith at recent Senate estimates hearings.
Rising Legal Bills and Uncertain Future Costs
Marks indicated the ABC’s financial exposure is far from settled. “My estimate was,at the time of the trial,that it was going to be many millions of dollars,” he stated. He further explained that outstanding final accounts and the possibility of a costs hearing mean a definitive figure remains elusive. “I don’t think it’s a matter that we can draw a line under, unfortunately, as much as I’d like to at this point.”
The $2.5 million figure represents external legal expenses alone. In February, the ABC estimated it’s total costs for defending the case at $1.1 million, demonstrating a rapid increase in expenditure.
Judge Found Unlawful Dismissal Linked to Political Opinions
The Federal Court found the ABC unlawfully sacked Lattouf, a journalist and presenter, for reasons that included her political opinions.Justice Darryl rangiah determined the decision to remove Lattouf from air during a five-day radio presenting contract in December 2023 was made to appease pro-Israel lobbyists who launched a campaign of complaints following her social media activity.Specifically, the court found the termination stemmed from Lattouf expressing a political opinion opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
Following the court’s decision, Lattouf shared on social media that the case was never about financial gain, and alleged the ABC had already spent “well over $2 million of taxpayer money” on its defense.
ABC Admits Failings and Pledges Process Improvements
Marks acknowledged the situation reflected poorly on the organization.”This was all there to be avoided; it is not a good reflection on the organisation,” he said. When pressed by Senator Smith on lessons learned from the dismissal, Marks emphasized the importance of remaining “calm under pressure” and adhering to established procedures.
He also highlighted the need for clarity regarding decision-making authority within the ABC. “Ensure that we meet our standards, just an understanding as well of who has the power to make decisions in the organisation,” he stated.”there seemed to be many failings in the Lattouf matter.”
Marks conceded that the issues identified should not have been “lessons” for the organization,but rather served as a crucial reminder of expected standards and responsibilities. “It should have been done better, and it wasn’t,” he concluded.
The case underscores the complexities of navigating freedom of speech and political ex
