Journalists union demands next ABC boss apologises and drops legal defence against broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf

The journalists union is demanding the new managing director apologise to anti-Israel broad­caster Antoinette Lattouf and address concerns over ‘political interference’.

Antoinette Lattouf, who was taken off air three days into a stint on ABC Radio. Picture: Instagram

The journalists union is demanding the new ABC managing director apologise to anti-Israel broad­caster Antoinette Lattouf, follow­ing the resignation of David Anderson.

The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, which represents ABC journalists, said the new boss needed to “act quickly to restore the confidence of staff and audiences” amid concerns over “political interference”.

Lattouf was taken off air three days into a week-long presenting stint on ABC Radio’s Sydney Mornings in December. She says she was unlawfully terminated after sharing an Instagram post accusing the Israeli government of using “starvation of civilians as a weapon of war in Gaza”.

Mr Anderson, who announced his resignation on Thursday after almost six years at the helm of the national broadcaster, had raised concerns about Ms Lattouf on her first day after receiving complaints. She was initially warned not to post anything controversial and keep a low profile, but was later told she had breached their social media policy guidelines and needed to collect her belongings.

In a statement following Mr Anderson’s announcement, the MEAA said: “The next managing director of the ABC must act quickly to restore the confidence of staff and audiences by firmly defending the independence and integrity of its news reporting.

“They should also bring to a close the legal saga caused by the sacking of broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf last December.”

Lattouf’s attempted mediation failed in June and her unfair dismissal case is heading towards a federal court trial.

Acting director of MEAA Media Michelle Rae added: “One of the first tasks of the next managing director should be to end the pointless and costly defence of an unfair dismissal claim by Antoinette Lattouf.

“The right thing to do would be to admit the ABC was wrong to dismiss Ms Lattouf and apologise to her.

“Dropping the case would send a signal to ABC news staff that the managing director is committed to editorial independence and to making the ABC a workplace that is safe and inclusive for ­people from a wide spectrum of ­diversity.”