Kyle Sandilands appeared in the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday as his legal dispute with former employer ARN Media began. The radio host, whose $100 million contract was terminated after an on-air argument with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson on February 20, said the ordeal had been 'traumatic'. He expressed a desire to return to work quickly, stating, 'I've got a family to support.'
Sandilands's barrister, Scott Robertson SC, requested the case be fast-tracked, with hearing dates reserved for June. Robertson argued that the termination was invalid because the on-air conduct did not constitute serious misconduct under the broadcasting services agreement. He noted that the agreement encouraged 'robust conduct' and included a clause granting immunity if the company did not use its 'dump button' to stop the broadcast.
ARN Media disputes the claims, denying that the termination was invalid or unconscionable under Australian Consumer Law. Barrister Tom Blackburn SC, representing ARN, argued that the possibility of Sandilands being reinstated was 'vanishingly small' and estimated the hearing would take about 10 days, contrary to Sandilands's team's estimate of two to three days.
Outside court, Sandilands said he had not spoken to Henderson since the argument, which he described as 'tame' compared to past disputes. He believed the incident would have been resolved quickly under normal circumstances. The court will continue to hear the case, with Sandilands seeking reinstatement and payment under his agreements.
