Journalist vows to continue fighting 'for as long as it takes'
Journalist Antoinette Lattouf revealed that her case with former employer ABC did not reach a resolution during the Fair Work Commission (FWC) mediation on Thursday.
Lattouf previously raised a claim against the ABC alleging that she was unlawfully terminated on the grounds of "political opinion or a reason that included political opinion," as well as racism.
The case stems after the journalist reposted a video from the Human Rights Watch that said: "The Israeli government is using starvation of civilians as a weapon of war in Gaza."
ABC defended that it fired Lattouf because she was initially instructed not to post anything that can be considered controversial on social media while she hosted on ABC Radio in late December.
Both parties attempted to settle the matter on Thursday during a mediation at the FWC via videocall - but to no avail.
"The matter didn't resolve today, but the fight continues and I'm willing and prepared to fight for as long as it takes," Lattouf said as she posted on X.
The journalist stressed that the case wasn't just about her, but also about free speech and racism.
"It's about the important role journalists play in truth telling, and crucially it's also about a fair, independent, and robust ABC," she said.
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The ABC refused to comment while the matter was before the FWC, The Guardian reported.
External pressure
The broadcaster recently just shot down reports that it fired Lattouf due to external pressure.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported this week a leaked string of WhatsApp messages that showed a group called Lawyers for Israel demanding ABC to terminate Lattouf.
The messages were directed to ABC chairperson Ita Buttrose, managing director David Anderson, and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
"It is important ABC hears not just from individuals in the community but specifically lawyers so they feel there is an actual legal threat," the post said.
The leak almost sparked industrial action among union staff until Anderson came back from a leave and underscored to staff in an email the "paramount importance" of independence.
"The ABC rejects any claim that it has been influenced by any external pressure, whether it be an advocacy or lobby group, a political party, or commercial entity," Anderson said as quoted by The Guardian.