The ABC has acknowledged that its initial legal argument, which required Antoinette Lattouf to prove the existence of a Lebanese race, “should never have been made.” This admission came during a parliamentary hearing, where it was also revealed that the legal dispute has cost the broadcaster $1.1 million in external lawyers.

Originally, the ABC defended Lattouf’s case of unlawful termination by asserting she had to prove the existence of a Lebanese, Arab, or Middle Eastern race. This stance angered ABC staff and Australian Middle Eastern and multicultural groups.

Following a ruling by the Fair Work Commission that Lattouf had been sacked, she took her case to the federal court, claiming her removal from a five-day casual contract was due to her political opinions or race.

The ABC issued an apology and retracted its controversial stance on race earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Deena Amorelli, the ABC’s chief people officer, expressed regret over the argument’s use and stated that another apology would be issued post court proceedings for the distress it had caused.

ABC journalists may report on ‘genocide’ regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, but must also include Israel’s denial of such actions, according to Editor Gavin Fang, speaking at a senate hearing. Senator Mehreen Faruqi inquired about changes in the ABC’s editorial guidance concerning the use of the term “genocide,” to which Fang responded that while guidance may not have changed, journalists must provide opposing viewpoints in such contentious reporting.