ABC Managing Director Criticizes Spending on Antoinette Lattouf Case

The ABC's managing director, Hugh Marks, expressed regret over the more than $1 million spent in litigation with journalist Antoinette Lattouf, stating it was not a good use of taxpayers' money following her win in the Federal Court. Justice Darryl Rangiah ruled that the ABC unlawfully terminated Ms. Lattouf after she was removed from air three days into a five-day contract as an ABC Radio Sydney presenter in December 2023. The court found that the termination contravened the Fair Work Act due to reasons such as her political opinion opposing the Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The ABC has been directed to compensate Ms. Lattouf for non-economic loss.

Managing director Hugh Marks acknowledged the regrettable nature of the situation, stating that significant funds were spent unnecessarily. He mentioned that if a similar situation were to arise in the future, a different approach would be taken. The ABC had disclosed spending at least $1.1 million in its defence during Senate estimates in February. Attempts to resolve the matter at the Fair Work Commission were made by Ms. Lattouf's lawyer last year. The court ordered the ABC to pay $70,000 in compensation for non-economic loss, with further hearings to determine a pecuniary penalty for breaching the Fair Work Act.

In his judgment, Justice Rangiah highlighted that the decision to terminate Ms. Lattouf's employment was influenced by pro-Israel lobbyists. He noted that complaints from these lobbyists led to her removal from air, causing concern among senior management at the ABC. Mr. Marks emphasized the need to address external influences moving forward and ensure fairness and impartiality in reporting.

Mr. Marks expressed regret over how Ms. Lattouf's dismissal was handled, acknowledging that correct processes were not followed. He stated that the values of the ABC must be upheld in their work and apologized for the distress caused to Ms. Lattouf. Former Nine Entertainment chief executive Hugh Marks took over as ABC managing director in December 2024, succeeding David Anderson. Former chair Ita Buttrose and former ABC chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor, who were involved in the court proceedings, have since left the ABC.