Australia: Journalists censored for reporting on Gaza

A number of Australian journalists have been targeted, harassed, and censored by lobby groups for reporting critical of Israel's war on Gaza. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Australian affiliate, the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), condemn these attempts to silence journalists and call on media outlets and regulatory bodies to ensure the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information are upheld.

Journalist Antoinette Lattouf speaks at the verdict of her unfair dismissal case against the ABC on June 25, 2025. Credit: X

In a high-profile case, Australia's Federal Court found on June 25 that Lebanese-Australian journalist Antoinette Lattouf was unlawfully dismissed by the national public broadcaster, Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), for sharing a social media post by Human Rights Watch relating to violations by Israel in Gaza.

Lattouf was removed from a five-day radio presenting contract in Sydney in December 2023, with the judgment confirming her dismissal was made to appease pro-Israel lobbyists. ABC was ordered to pay an additional AUD 150,000 (approx. USD 98,000) in compensation on September 24, in addition to AUD 70,000 (approx. USD 46,000) already awarded.

In a separate incident, Australian cricket reporter Peter Lalor was dropped from radio coverage of Australia's Sri Lanka tour by broadcaster SEN in February after he reposted several posts on X regarding Israeli attacks in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. "I was told in one call there were serious organisations making complaints; in another I was told that this was not the case," said Lalor in a statement.

Prominent journalist and former SBS World News Australia presenter Mary Kostakidis has also faced ongoing harassment by the Zionist Federation of Australia, with a legal action filed in the Federal Court under Australia's Racial Discrimination Act for sharing two allegedly 'antisemitic' posts on X. Kostakidis said the case failed to identify which race, ethnicity or nationality was offended by her posts, with a verdict currently awaited on a strikeout order filed by Kostakidis in July.

The MEAA said:"MEAA journalists are subject to the code of ethics, who in their professional capacity, often provide critical commentary on political warfare. These are the tenets of democracy. We stand with our colleagues in their workplaces, in the courtrooms, and in their deaths to raise our voices against the silence."

The IFJ said: "Critical and independent journalism in the public interest is more crucial than ever in the face of incessant pressure from partisan lobby groups. IFJ stands in firm solidarity with journalists globally facing harassment and censorship for their reporting."