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Former SBS reporter points to Turnbull influence in sacking

Lawyers for Scott McIntyre will claim he was only sacked after Malcolm Turnbull called SBS managing director.

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Lawyers for sacked SBS reporter Scott McIntyre claim in early discussions SBS had told him he would not be sacked, but that changed after then-Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull called managing director Michael Ebeid.

McIntyre was sacked over ANZAC Day tweets accusing “brave ANZACs” of “execution, widespread rape and theft” in Egypt, Palestine and Japan.

According to Fairfax, Lawyers claim SBS management encouraged him to “consider” apologising and delete the tweets, in a series of initial phone calls with director of sport Ken Shipp.

McIntyre’s statement of claim alleges when he asked if he would be sacked, Shipp said no but noted he could be dismissed in other ways, specifically through an efficiency review.

Court documents filed claim Malcolm Turnbull personally phoned Michael Ebeid. Turnbull has previously confirmed he contacted the head of the SBS about the matter.

Ken Shipp is alleged to have told later McIntyre over the phone that the managing director was terminating his employment.

SBS sacked McIntyre citing a breach of the SBS Code of Conduct and social media policy.

A spokeswoman for SBS said: “SBS’s position had not changed from when Mr McIntyre commenced his first legal action, which he didn’t proceed with.

“SBS will be defending these new proceedings and as this a legal matter will not be making any further comment.”

The unfair dismissal case begins on November 6.

3 Responses

  1. Political interference by Mal the man who stuffed the NBN and continues to, new copper wire you got to be kidding,there’s also the free speech part he should have kept out of it

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