Overview

• Josh Bornstein, who represented Antoinette Lattouf, says the guidelines are imprecise and prone to selective or even unlawful enforcement when complaints are lodged.
• The rules classify many interactions as public comment, with coverage extending to WhatsApp messages, one‑on‑one conversations and letters, according to ABC statements and summaries of the policy.
• The policy bars remarks that could undermine a staffer’s perceived ability to do their job, compromise the ABC’s independence, imply ABC endorsement, or represent the ABC without approval.
• The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s Cassie Derrick calls the approach punitive and likely to entrench job insecurity, and the union is seeking further consultation with management.
• An ABC spokesperson says staff contributed feedback and stresses editorial teams must protect impartiality, as internal communications note higher scrutiny for public‑facing journalists and differing risk levels across roles.