Fernando Vicente Ferreira De Castro v Made to Print Pty Ltd

[2016] FWC 5995

[2016] FWC 5995

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.394—Unfair dismissal

Fernando Vicente Ferreira De Castro
v
Made To Print Pty Ltd
(U2016/6845)

COMMISSIONER WILSON MELBOURNE, 25 AUGUST 2016

Application for relief from unfair dismissal.

[1] On 9 May 2016, Mr Fernando Vicente Ferreira De Castro made an application for remedy for unfair dismissal under section 394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). Mr Ferreira De Castro’s employment had been terminated by Made To Print Pty Ltd (MTP) on 6 May 2016.

[2] The matter was the subject of conciliation on 9 June 2016 however, the matter was not resolved. Consequently, directions were issued and the matter was listed for hearing.

[3] Mr Ferreira De Castro was directed to file an outline of submissions, any witness statements and other documentary material he wished to rely on by noon, on 11 July 2016.

[4] Mr Ferreira De Castro did not comply with this direction and the matter was listed for a non compliance hearing before Commissioner Roe on 22 July 2016.

[5] At the non compliance hearing, Mr Ferreira De Castro requested an extension to file his submissions. A further period of time was granted by Commissioner Roe and Mr Ferreira De Castro was required to file his material by 1 August 2016.

[6] Mr Ferreira De Castro did not comply with this direction and the matter was listed for a further non compliance hearing before Commissioner Bissett on 12 August 2016.

[7] Mr Ferreira De Castro did not attend the non compliance hearing. MTP made an oral application, pursuant to s.399A of the Act, that the matter be dismissed as Mr Ferreira De Castro 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 MTP’s oral application.

[8] On 12 August 2016, Mr Ferreira De Castro was sent correspondence informing him of MTP’s section 399A application. Mr Ferreira De Castro was directed to file submissions and other documentary material in respect of MTP’s application by close of business, on 19 August 2016. Mr Ferreira De Castro was advised that if he failed to comply with this direction, his application would be dismissed.

[9] Mr Ferreira De Castro did not file any material with the Commission.

[10] 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.

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

[12] As Mr Ferreira De Castro did not file any material in opposition to the application to dismiss, I will determine the application on the papers.

[13] As Mr Ferreira De Castro has provided no explanation for his failure to comply with directions, I find that his failure was unreasonable.

[14] The power to dismiss an application if the non-compliance was unreasonable is discretionary. Mr Ferreira De Castro has failed to respond to the many attempts by the Commission to contact him. He has shown no willingness to prosecute his case. In those circumstances, I will exercise my discretion and dismiss Mr Ferreira De Castro’s application. An order giving effect to this decision will be issued today.

COMMISSIONER

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