Veteran journalist Robert Ovadia takes legal action against Seven
A well-known reporter has taken Seven to the Fair Work Commission after he was sacked last month.
Veteran reporter Robert Ovadia has launched legal action against Network Seven and its news boss, claiming he was unlawfully sacked.
The well-known 7 News Sydney journalist lodged paperwork with the Fair Work Commission last month just days after being axed, The Australian reports.
News of Ovadia’s removal came on June 21, after the media company said it was conducting an investigation into allegations of inapproriate behaviour.
The alleged conduct reportedly included the exchange of messages with a female colleague four years ago.
No formal complaint was made about the matter.
Ovadia was stood down in early June after the ABC’s Four Corners brought the messages to Seven’s attention.
His lawyer John Laxon has confirmed to news.com.au that a general protections application has been lodged seeking orders of compensation for his dismissal, reinstatement to his job and pecuniary penalties.
The reporter, who worked at Seven for 23 years, has previously said any suggestion of inappropriate behaviour was “false, malicious and will be defended”.
A two-time Walkley award winner, Ovadia was an investigative reporter and occasional presenter for the network’s Sydney newsroom.
A Seven spokesperson told The Australian it took “very seriously any allegations in relation to sexual harassment, bullying and other behaviours deemed to be inappropriate within the workplace”.
“We take complaints seriously, manage them confidentially and deal with any breaches decisively.”
The network has been in upheaval in recent months following the controversy around Bruce Lehrmann’s Spotlight interview and scrutiny over its workplace environment.
In court, it was revealed that Seven had paid Lehrmann’s rent, $10,000 in Thai massages, and other expenses to secure the exclusive interview.
News.com.au Political Editor Samantha Maiden reports that Four Corners is believed to be preparing a major investigation into the network’s workplace culture.
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