Daniel Johnston v Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd

[2015] FWC 3754

[2015] FWC 3754

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal

Daniel Johnston
v
Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd
(U2015/1337)

COMMISSIONER WILSON MELBOURNE, 2 JUNE 2015

Application for relief from unfair dismissal.

[1] On 24 March 2015, Mr Daniel Johnston made an application for remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Mr Johnston’s employment had been terminated by Ritchies Stores Pty Ltd (Ritchies) on 5 March 2015.

[2] The matter was the subject of conciliation on 20 April 2015 however, the matter was not resolved. Consequently, directions were issued and the matter was listed for hearing.

[3] Mr Johnston was directed to file an outline of submissions, any witness statements and other documentary material he wished to rely on by noon, on 11 May 2015.

[4] Mr Johnston did not comply with this direction and the matter was listed for a non compliance hearing before Commissioner Bissett on 15 May 2015.

[5] On 14 May 2015, Ritchies filed an objection to the application and sought the dismissal of Mr Johnston’s application. Ritchies based their objection on grounds which include failure to comply with directions.

[6] Mr Johnston did not attend the non compliance hearing on 15 May 2015. Ritchies made an oral application, pursuant to s.399A of the Act, that the matter be dismissed as Mr Johnston had failed to comply with the direction of the Fair Work Commission. Commissioner Bissett waived compliance with the Fair Work Commission Rules 2013 and accepted Ritchies’ oral application.

[7] On 15 May 2015, Mr Johnston was sent correspondence informing him of Ritchies’ section 399A application. Mr Johnston was directed to file submissions and other documentary material in respect of Ritchies’ application by close of business, on 29 May 2015. Mr Johnston was advised that if he failed to comply with this direction, his application would be dismissed.

[8] Mr Johnston did not file any material with the Commission.

[9] Section 399A of the Act provides as follows:

399A Dismissing applications

(1) The FWC may, subject to subsection (2), dismiss an application for an order under Division 4 if the FWC is satisfied that the applicant has unreasonably:

(a) failed to attend a conference conducted by the FWC, or a hearing held by the FWC, in relation to the application; or

(b) failed to comply with a direction or order of the FWC relating to the application; or

(c) failed to discontinue the application after a settlement agreement has been concluded.

....
(2) The FWC may exercise its power under subsection (1) on application by the employer.

(3) This section does not limit when the FWC may dismiss an application.

[10] Section 593 of the Act provides that the Commission is not required to hold a hearing except as provided by the Act.

[11] As Mr Johnston did not file any material in opposition to the application to dismiss, I will determine the application on the papers.

[12] After considering all the material, Mr Johnston’s application for remedy from unfair dismissal is dismissed. An order giving effect to this decision will be issued today.

COMMISSIONER

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