Channel Nine has announced that it has received the legal costs owed by Warren Tredrea, a former AFL player and sports presenter. Tredrea was embroiled in a protracted legal battle with the network, culminating in a Federal Court ruling that mandated him to pay $149,000 after he lost his case regarding unfair dismissal. Tredrea had alleged that he was dismissed due to his non-vaccination against COVID-19, while Nine argued that the decision was performance-based and not linked to his vaccination status.

In 2024, Tredrea's appeal against the court's earlier decision was also dismissed, further solidifying the ruling against him. The Federal Court's conclusion indicated that Tredrea's claims did not hold weight against Nine's assertions, and as a result, he was held responsible for covering the legal fees incurred by the network during the appeals process. Initially, Tredrea contended that he had met his financial obligations through a promissory note; however, the court found this note to be unacceptable, leading to his continuing legal obligations.

This case not only underscores the complexities surrounding employment law in Australia, especially related to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but it also reflects broader issues of contractual obligations and performance standards in the sports media industry. The outcome of this legal conflict may set a precedent for similar cases in the future, especially for individuals claiming wrongful dismissal based on health-related employment decisions.