Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp

The ABC’s argument questioning race in its legal battle with journalist Antoinette Lattouf has sparked anger from community groups, who have demanded an apology from the public broadcaster’s board and an inquiry into its editorial independence.
Lattouf was hired on a casual basis to present the Mornings show on ABC Radio Sydney over five days in December 2023.
She was dismissed three days into her role after sharing a Human Rights Watch post saying Israel had used starvation as a “weapon of war” in Gaza.
A key issue in the case is whether the ABC gave Lattouf a direction not to post anything on social media.
The public broadcaster is defending the case, saying that the freelance journalist was let go after breaching this direction as well as its editorial policies of impartiality

Lattouf says she was unfairly dismissed because of her political opinion and race. The hearing at the Federal Court in Sydney is ongoing.

A woman in a blue blazer walking outside.

Antoinette Lattouf is suing the ABC for unfair dismissal. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

The ABC’s Federal Court application states: “Whether there is a Lebanese, Arab, or Middle Eastern ‘race’ is a complex multi-faceted question of fact. The facts must be proved.”

And asked by Lattouf’s lawyer, Oshie Fagir, on Thursday whether in his view there is a Lebanese race, the ABC’s outgoing managing director David Anderson said: “I don’t necessarily have an opinion of, I haven’t formed a view as to whether there is or there isn’t.”
The Lebanese Muslim Association and Arab Council Australia on Friday criticised both remarks in a statement, labelling Anderson’s response “reckless” and “disturbing”, as they also criticised its legal defence.
“The ABC’s refusal to acknowledge Lebanese identity speaks to a broader culture of exclusion and systemic bias — one that is reflected in its overwhelming monocultural leadership and editorial approach,” the Lebanese Muslim Association said in a statement.
As well as a public apology and independent inquiry into the ABC’s editorial independence and internal culture, they have also called for Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to intervene and hold the public broadcaster accountable for what they say is a “failure to maintain journalistic integrity and impartiality”. They also want “concrete reforms” to “dismantle the ABC’s monocultural leadership”.
“The ABC cannot claim to represent all Australians while actively undermining the existence of a significant part of the Australian community,” Arab Council Australia said in a statement. “The ABC owes it to its audience to ensure that it adheres to the principles of journalistic integrity and avoidance of bias.”

Rowland’s office declined to comment, and SBS News has contacted the ABC for comment.

David Anderson speaks during the ABC Annual Public Meeting in Ultimo, earlier this year.

ABC’s managing director David Anderson told the Federal Court on Thursday he hadn’t formed a view as to whether a Lebanese race exists. Source: AAP / Joel Carrett

Racial and economic justice organisation Democracy in Colour said the “case illustrates the racist double standards that apply to women of colour in many Australian workplaces, and the culture of silencing and censorship that is fast becoming standard when it comes to any mention of Palestine”.

Some ABC staff have expressed concern the independence of the ABC is no longer “adequately protected”.
On Thursday, members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) at the ABC said their employer’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”.
“As a public broadcaster, the ABC must act as a model litigant. We demand it immediately disavows this position and acknowledges, without qualification, that Lebanese, Arab and Middle Eastern people can be subject to racial discrimination,” a statement published by the MEAA on Thursday read.
“The trial has confirmed our worst fears: the ABC’s independence is not adequately protected.”
The involved interviews with 120 current and former ABC staff to hear their perspectives and said their responses “overwhelmingly indicate that racism exists within the ABC workplace and that ABC staff are subjected to racism from external individuals and organisations in connection with their work”.
The review made 15 recommendations to improve the ABC’s systems around racism, including requiring ABC’s board, managing director, senior leadership and staff to read the review in full, recommending that the ABC becomes “pro-actively anti-racist” and improve its responses to public attacks.
Anderson committed to implementing all the recommendations made in the review.

With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like

Daniel Sanders Aims for Consecutive Wins: Inside the 2026 Dakar Rally Ambitions

The countdown is on for the “world’s toughest motor race”, and last…
Character, networking, and spelling: What bosses really look for in new hires

Top Qualities Employers Seek: Character, Networking Skills, and Spelling Proficiency in New Hires

Exclusive Insight: Many Australians are expected to seek new employment opportunities or…

Government Expresses Concern Over China’s Recent Beef Tariff Changes

Trade Minister Don Farrell has said the government is “disappointed” with China’s…
The destinations to avoid if you love steak on holiday - as the top vegan-friendly countries are revealed

Top Vegan-Friendly Countries to Consider if You’re a Steak Enthusiast Planning Your Next Holiday

For numerous Britons, savoring local cuisine ranks high on the agenda when…
Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock during a press conference at the Reserve Bank, after interest rates were left on hold. Tuesdsay, December 9.

Interest Rates in 2026: Will They Rise or Stay Steady?

Twelve months ago, mortgage holders were looking forward to a new year…

Albanese Dismisses Proposal for Bondi Royal Commission by Human Rights Commissioner

Anthony Albanese’s position has remained unchanged after the human rights commissioner entered…
Searches resume for two people missing at NSW beaches after spate of drownings

Intensive Search Operations Underway for Missing Individuals Amidst Rising Drowning Incidents at NSW Beaches

Early yesterday morning, a young man in his 20s found himself in…

China Reinstates Taxes on Birth Control: A Controversial Move to Boost Population Growth

China has removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices…