Investigation into ABC Middle East correspondent yet to see the light

The ‘purported’ investigation into ABC Middle East correspondent Tom Joyner is yet to see the light, with Senator Hollie Hughes keen for answers.

Senator Hollie Hughes has asked ABC for an update on Tom Joyner. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Senator Hollie Hughes has written to ABC managing director David Anderson, seeking an update on the “purported” investigation into Middle East correspondent Tom Joyner and his labelling as “bullshit” reports about babies being beheaded by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack on Israel.

Mr Anderson told Senate estimates on October 24 that the public broadcaster was investigating the comment Joyner made in a WhatsApp group with international media.

In her letter to Mr Anderson, Senator Hughes has now requested “an update on the purported investigation into Mr Joyner’s alleged misconduct’’.

“Has the investigation concluded? What was the outcome? What actions have or will be taken?” she wrote.

“I understand the sensitive nature of an internal investigation precludes the dispensation of all details pertaining to staff, however, I do believe the outcome of the investigation does fall within the remit of the public interest and in the transparency with which the national broadcaster executes its internal processes in conjunction with keeping employees accountable to the public.’’

ABC Middle East correspondent Tom Joyner. Picture: X

Joyner does not appear to have filed a story for the ABC since October 24, with his page on the ABC website static ever since. Joyner’s comment — “The story about the babies is bullshit” – made on a group chat to the more than 600 media representatives sharing information about the attacks, was met with condemnation from many group members.

Mr Anderson told the estimates hearing in October that he was sorry “that happened … and that was then distressing to other people as well, it shouldn’t have happened”. “He (Joyner) was at the time doing what journalists were doing, and that was trying to verify what sources could back up what claims are being made at the time.”

However, he said Joyner had a right to procedural fairness.

After the incident was revealed by The Australian, the ABC said management had spoken to the journalist and he had shown remorse.

“Tom recognised the language of his comment was inappropriate and apologised to the group,” the ABC said at the time.

Israel later confirmed the reports of babies being burnt and decapitated in Hamas’s assault on the Kfar Aza kibbutz and photographs were also shown to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

After Joyner’s comments were made public, the Zionist Federation of Australia’s president Jeremy Leibler wrote a letter to the ABC’s director of news Justin Stevens saying he was “stunned and appalled” by the reporter’s remarks.

The ABC said in a statement to The Australian: “As previously stated by the ABC, Tom Joyner is regretful about this incident’’.

“More broadly, he is an outstanding journalist and we back his reporting on ABC platforms.’’