The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been ordered to pay a $150,000 fine for unlawfully terminating journalist Antoinette Lattouf. The decision stems from her dismissal, which was influenced by her political views. In December 2023, a judge found that the ABC violated the Fair Work Act by removing Lattouf from her position.

On Wednesday, Justice Daryl Rangiah mandated that the ABC pay the penalty to Lattouf within 28 days. This ruling follows a previous compensation award of $70,000 for non-economic damages. The Federal Court had previously heard that Lattouf's five-day radio presenting contract in Sydney was abruptly ended after she shared a post from Human Rights Watch on her personal Instagram. The post discussed the use of starvation as a tactic in the Gaza conflict.

Justice Rangiah determined that the ABC's decision to terminate Lattouf was influenced by a desire to appease pro-Israel lobbyists who had launched a campaign of complaints against her. The judge noted that Lattouf was dismissed partly because she expressed a political opinion that opposed the Israeli military actions in Gaza.

The court also revealed that Lattouf had received advice suggesting it would be best not to post anything controversial regarding Gaza. However, this advice was not a direct order, and it was indicated that sharing fact-based material from verified sources would be acceptable.

In a statement on social media, Lattouf emphasized that her case was never about financial compensation. "To date, the ABC has spent well over $2 million of taxpayer money fighting me," she said. "Whatever the penalty, for me this was never about money — it's always been about accountability and the integrity of the information our public broadcaster gives us."

Lattouf expressed hope that the ABC would use this opportunity to restore its credibility and regain public trust. "Our democracy depends on a strong fourth estate," she added.