[2015] FWCFB 4952
The attached document replaces the document previously issued with the above code on 22
July 2015
This version corrects a typographical error in the appearances.
Shomaice Zowghi
Associate to Vice President Catanzariti
Dated 23 July 2015.
1
Fair Work Act 2009
s.604 - Appeal of decisions
Dr Daniel White, Executive Director of Catholic Schools and legal
representative of the Catholic Education Office, Sydney
v
Mr Gerald Mahony
(C2015/2886)
VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI
DEPUTY PRESIDENT BOOTH
COMMISSIONER ROBERTS
SYDNEY, 22 JULY 2015
Appeal against decision 2015 [FWC1593] of Commissioner McKenna at Sydney on 1 May
2015 in matter number U2014/3684.
[1] The following decision, now edited, was issued during proceedings conducted on 21
July 2015.
[2] This is an appeal by Dr Daniel White, Executive Director of Catholic Schools and
legal representative of the Catholic Education Office, Sydney against a decision1 (Decision)
of Commissioner McKenna made on 1 May 2015 in relation to an application made by Mr
Gerald Mahony (the Respondent) pursuant to s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) in
relation to the termination of his former employment.
[3] The Full Bench has had the benefit of both detailed written submissions and oral
submissions from the parties.
[4] As was previously alluded to, notwithstanding the case below was run on the basis of
frustration, the Full Bench notes that the case before it has been run on the basis that the
continuation of employment is not permissible and is inconsistent with the Child Protection
(Working With Children) Act 2012. To do so would be illegal on the part of the employer.
[5] Therefore in our view it cannot be fairly said that Mr Mahony’s employment was
terminated on the employer’s initiative pursuant to s. 386(1)(a) of the Act
[6] In those circumstances, permission to appeal is granted. Upon a re-hearing of the
appeal, the appeal is allowed on the basis that the employment could not have continued as
this would have amounted to illegality.
[7] The application for unfair dismissal is dismissed.
[2015] FWCFB 4952 [Note: refer to the Federal Court decision dated 29
November 2016 [2016] FCAFC 160 for result of appeal]
EX TEMPORE DECISION
E AUSTRALIA FairWork Commission
http://www.judgments.fedcourt.gov.au/judgments/Judgments/fca/full/2016/2016fcafc0160
[2015] FWCFB 4952
2
VICE PRESIDENT
Appearances:
M Kimber SC and B Rauf of counsel for the Appellant.
I Collins solicitor for the Respondent.
M Gibian counsel for the Independent Education Union as Intervener.
Hearing details:
21 July
Sydney
2015
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
Price code A, PR569636
1 Gerald Mahony v Dr Daniel J White (Executive Director of Schools of the Catholic Education Officer Sydney) T/A Catholic
Education Office Sydney [2015] FWC 1593.
THE FAIR WORK CO COMMISSION AF NOISS THE SEAA