Melissa Irwin and Headstart Helmets Pty Ltd

[1994] IRCA 25

O/n 2149 5.8.94

IN THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
  COURT OF AUSTRALIA
  VICTORIA DISTRICT REGISTRY  Matter No VI VI 680 of 1994

B E T W E E N:  MELISSA IRWIN Applicant

AND:

HEADSTART HELMETS PTY LIMITED Respondent

COURT:              MR J.A. RYAN, Judicial Registrar
  PLACE:               MELBOURNE
  DATE:                  MONDAY, 1 AUGUST, 1994  

JUDGMENT (EX TEMPORE)  

TERMINATION PRIOR TO 30 MARCH 1994                

THE J.REGISTRAR: The applicant in this case faces an insuperable difficulty in that a termination, whatever the circumstances, effected before the commencement of Division 3 of Part VIA cannot amount to a contravention of it. This is so even if the termination was unlawful for some other reason. Indeed, as Wilcox CJ indicated in the case of Siagian v Sanel Pty Limited (1994) ALR 333 even if it constituted a breach of contract or a contravention of an award the termination could not be a contravention of Division 3.

This position is also supported by Gray J in another very recent decision of this court. I certainly will not refer to it in toto, but the cases included the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia and Neil Stephenson v Skilled Engineering Pry Limited and Others, VII05 of 1994 (10 June ! 994). In the circumstances I have no alternative but to dismiss this application for want of jurisdiction.

I certify that this is a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment of Judicial Registrar Ryan.

Associate  :              
Date  :              26 August, 1994
Appearances:
Applicant  :              In person
Respondent  :              Amanda McKenzie, Australian Chamber of Manufacturers
Date of Hearing                 :              I August, 1994.
Judgment  :              I August, 1994

  
  
  
  
  
  

winziej i.8.94