Aliesha Walker v The Trustee For Black Investment Trust [2023] FWC 1228

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.394—Unfair dismissal Aliesha Walker v The Trustee For Black Investment Trust (U2023/4036) VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 25 MAY 2023 Application for an unfair dismissal remedy. [1] Aliesha Walker (the applicant) was employed by The Trustee For Black Investment Trust (the respondent) from the 27th of September 2022 until she was dismissed on the 17th of April 2023. [2] On the 10th of May 2023, the applicant made an application for a remedy for unfair dismissal under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act). [3] The application was lodged 2 days late. [4] On the 16th of May 2023, correspondence was sent to the applicant in relation to the matter being lodged out of time and she was required to respond by the 21st of May 2023. [5] On the 22nd of May 2023, further correspondence was sent to the applicant directing her to provide a response by 5:00pm on the 24th of May 2023. She was advised that in the absence of a reply, her application may be dismissed. [6] The applicant has not responded to any of the correspondence that my Chambers has sent to this date. [7] Section 587 of the Act provides: 587 Dismissing applications (1) Without limiting when the FWC may dismiss an application, the FWC may dismiss an application if: (a) the application is not made in accordance with this Act; or (b) the application is frivolous or vexatious; or [2023] FWC 1228 DECISION -- 1 of 2 -- [2023] FWC 1228 2 (c) the application has no reasonable prospects of success. (2) Despite paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), FWC must not dismiss an application under section 365 or 773 on the ground that the application: (a) is frivolous or vexatious; or (b) has no reasonable prospects of success. (3) FWC may dismiss an application: (a) on its own initiative; or (b) on application. [8] The words, “Without limiting when FWC may dismiss an application” at the commencement of s.587(1) of the Act, establish that the jurisdiction of the Commission to dismiss an application is not limited to the circumstances set out in s.587(1)(a), (b) and (c). [9] In the circumstances I have decided to dismiss the application for want of prosecution pursuant to s.587(3)(a) of the Act. [10] An order to that effect will issue with this decision. VICE PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR762490> -- 2 of 2 --