A former ABC radio manager, Steve Ahern, testified in court regarding the dismissal of Antoinette Lattouf, who was hired as a fill-in host and later terminated after three days on air. Lattouf faced criticism for an Instagram post shared from Human Rights Watch that accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon in Gaza. During her unlawful dismissal hearing, Ahern revealed he was not surprised when a senior executive described his hiring decision as “ill informed”. While he expressed disappointment at the characterisation, he denied feeling pressured by criticism from ABC’s then content chief, Chris Oliver-Taylor.
Lattouf alleges her firing was influenced by her political views and background, asserting the ABC succumbed to pressure from pro-Israeli lobbyists who complained about her stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The ABC maintains that she was advised against posting on the issue, though Lattouf argues no such directive was given.
The court has seen complications arise, including an accidental disclosure of confidential complainant information by the ABC’s legal team, prompting an apology from their barrister. Lattouf is seeking compensation, while the case continues to unfold in the Federal Court, with former ABC chair Ita Buttrose expected to testify next.