Annabel Kwan v Critical Hit Entertainment Pty Ltd [2023] FWC 2303

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.394—Unfair dismissal Annabel Kwan v Critical Hit Entertainment Pty Ltd (U2023/5994) VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI SYDNEY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2023 Application for an unfair dismissal remedy. [1] Annabel Kwan (the applicant) lodged an application against Critical Hit Entertainment Pty Ltd (the respondent) on the 4th of July 2023. [2] The respondent raised an objection stating that they do not believe the applicant is an employee. [3] On the 15th of August 2023, correspondence was sent to the applicant in relation to the jurisdictional objection mentioned above and she was required to respond by the 22nd of August 2023. No response was received at this time. [4] Further correspondence was sent to the applicant on the 29th of August 2023 and she was required to respond by 5:00pm the 1st of September 2023. It was in this correspondence that the applicant was advised her application would be dismissed without any notice if no response was received. [5] To date, the applicant has not responded to any of the correspondence sent by my Chambers. [6] 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 (c) the application has no reasonable prospects of success. [2023] FWC 2303 DECISION -- 1 of 2 -- [2023] FWC 2303 2 (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. [7] 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). [8] In the circumstances I have decided to dismiss the application for want of prosecution pursuant to s.587(3)(a) of the Act. [9] An order to that effect will issue with this decision. VICE PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR766051> -- 2 of 2 --