Guardian Australia editor Lenore Taylor raises ‘concerns’ over staff’s support of anti-Israel petition

Guardian editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor has told her journalists she is concerned the signing of an anti-Israel letter by staff could raise questions about the impartiality of their reporting.

The Guardian Australia Editor Lenore Taylor.

Guardian Australia editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor has told her journalists that she is concerned the signing of an anti-Israel letter by 24 of the left-wing publication’s staff could raise questions about the impartiality of their reporting.

More than 20 reporters, editors, cartoonists and contributors to the Guardian Australia – who cover a broad range of topics including social media, culture, sports, environment, justice and education – have signalled their support to the MEAA’s campaign that was circulated on Friday.

The journalist union’s letter ­demands that Australian media treat the information from the democratically elected government of Israel the same as Hamas, an internationally recognised and condemned terror group.

Taylor said the international news organisation, which includes the Australian masthead, was now reviewing its editorial standards in light of the war and raised her concerns about the MEAA letter with staff this week.

“I have raised with Australian staff my concern that these kinds of open letters can be perceived as raising questions about our reporting, even if that is not the intention,” Taylor told The Australian.

“We are conscious of anything that could be viewed as a potential conflict of interest, and we are reviewing the Guardian’s global editorial guidelines to ensure that this point is clear. We will continue to exercise the most careful editorial judgment across all our coverage.”

Some Guardian journalists have reported directly on elements of the conflict including local rallies and protests, such as courts and justice reporter Nino Bucci and Sydney reporter ­Mostafa Rachwani who wrote a story ­titled: “‘My heart is chanting’: Palestinian voices ring out at largest anti-war rallies in Australia since Iraq war”.

Rachwani took to social media earlier this month to call out double standards on “both-sideism”. “What is funny to me was how dedicated Australian media were to both-sideism during the voice debate, and how quickly they abandon that notion as soon as they turn their attention to Israel. Funny because it’s racist,” Rachwani posted on X.

Taylor stood by The ­Guardian Australia’s coverage of the ­Israel-Hamas war, saying ­stories, illustrations and social media coverage by her team had been “comprehensive, accurate and fair”.

Nine newspapers have banned staff who have signed the petition from assisting on future coverage, while ABC news director Justin Stevens issued a warning to staff last week that supporting the ­campaign could mean their impartiality and credibility, and that of the national broadcaster, might be questioned.