Legal team for broadcaster focuses on race in arguments against journalist
ABC staff have expressed disgust over the public broadcaster’s legal arguments in journalist Antoinette Lattouf’s unlawful termination case, saying it undermines efforts to address systemic racism within the organization.
Lattouf was removed from her role as a casual host on ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings program in December 2023, just three days into a five-day contract. She alleges her termination was linked to her race and political views, after she posted about the Israel-Gaza war on social media, says the Guardian.
During court proceedings, ABC’s legal team argued that Lattouf had not provided sufficient evidence proving the existence of a Lebanese, Arab, or Middle Eastern race, stating:
"It follows that Ms Lattouf’s case … insofar as it depends on ‘race’ as an attribute, must fail."
ABC’s Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) members issued a statement on Thursday, condemning the broadcaster’s legal stance.
"The ABC’s position that Ms Lattouf has not ‘demonstrated the existence of a Lebanese, Arab or Middle Eastern race’ destroys any hope that the ABC intends to address the systemic racism identified by the Janke review of last year," the ABC’s National House Committee said, according to the Guardian.
MEAA members called on the ABC to disavow its legal argument and formally recognize that Lebanese, Arab, and Middle Eastern people can be subject to racial discrimination.
The statement further warned: "The trial has confirmed our worst fears: the ABC’s independence is not adequately protected."
The case comes amid broader concerns about racism at the ABC, says the Guardian. A 2023 review led by Indigenous lawyer Terri Janke examined racism within the broadcaster. The review, based on interviews with 120 current and former employees, found that nearly all participants had personally experienced racism in the workplace.
ABC staff also criticized the broadcaster for harming its own reputation through the legal battle, arguing that the case has caused more damage than Lattouf’s original social media posts.
"ABC’s staff know social media rules are supposed to ensure the ABC isn’t brought into disrepute, yet this court proceeding has badly harmed the ABC’s reputation," the statement said.
The ABC declined to comment on the case, says the Guardian.
In an all-staff email on Thursday, ABC chief people officer Deena Amorelli sought to clarify the broadcaster’s legal position, denying that ABC disputes the existence of certain racial groups: "I want to assure you that the ABC is not of that view. To ensure clarity, the ABC’s lawyers have also confirmed to the Court that the ABC does not deny the existence of any race."
She further stated:
"The ABC denies that any action was taken against Ms. Lattouf because of her political opinion, race, or national extraction. The ABC has only raised the issue that, in these proceedings, the legal onus lies with Ms. Lattouf to establish her claim about race."
As the court proceedings continue, ABC staff and union members remain vocal in their dissatisfaction with how the case has been handled.
