Trau v University of Sydney

The New South Wales Court of Appeal considered a dispute between Mr Trau and the University of Sydney concerning the University's decision to terminate Mr Trau's employment. Mr Trau had been employed by the University as a senior lecturer in the Department of Medicine.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the University's decision to terminate Mr Trau's employment was valid, particularly in light of the procedures followed and the grounds relied upon for dismissal. This involved an examination of the University's statutes and by-laws governing academic staff appointments and dismissals, and whether these had been complied with.

The Court analysed the University's internal disciplinary procedures and the evidence presented regarding Mr Trau's conduct. It considered the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness in the context of employment termination by a statutory body. The Court ultimately found that the University had not followed its own procedures correctly in reaching its decision to terminate Mr Trau's employment.

Consequently, the Court allowed Mr Trau's appeal and set aside the decision of the University to terminate his employment.