The Relevant Legislative Provisions
13 Chapter 3 Part 3-2 of the Act provides for remedies for unfair dismissal. The object of the Part is stated in s 381:
(1) The object of this Part is:
(a) to establish a framework for dealing with unfair dismissal that balances:
(i) the needs of business (including small business); and
(ii) the needs of employees; and
(b) to establish procedures for dealing with unfair dismissal that:
(i) are quick, flexible and informal; and
(ii) address the needs of employers and employees; and
(c) to provide remedies if a dismissal is found to be unfair, with an emphasis on reinstatement.
(2) The procedures and remedies referred to in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), and the manner of deciding on and working out such remedies, are intended to ensure that a 'fair go all round' is accorded to both the employer and employee concerned.
Note: The expression 'fair go all round' was used by Sheldon J in in re Loty and Holloway v Australian Workers' Union [1971] AR (NSW) 95.
14 The two possible remedies for unfair dismissal are the reinstatement of the applicant or the payment of compensation (s 390). A person may seek permission to appeal from a decision made by FWA under Part 3-2, but there are restrictions both on the grant of permission to appeal and on the grounds upon which an appeal may be brought. Section 400 is in Part 3-2 and is in the following terms:
(1) Despite subsection 604(2), FWA must not grant permission to appeal from a decision made by FWA under this Part unless FWA considers that it is in the public interest to do so.
(2) Despite subsection 604(1), an appeal from a decision made by FWA in relation to a matter arising under this Part can only, to the extent that it is an appeal on a question of fact, be made on the ground that the decision involved a significant error of fact.
15 Chapter 5 of the Act deals with FWA. Section 575(1) establishes FWA and s 575(2) provides for the composition of FWA. Section 576 contains a description of FWA's functions. Section 577 sets out guidelines as to the manner in which FWA is to perform its functions and exercise its powers:
FWA must perform its functions and exercise its powers in a manner that:
(a) is fair and just; and
(b) is quick, informal and avoids unnecessary technicalities; and
(c) is open and transparent; and
(d) promotes harmonious and cooperative workplace relations.
Note: The President also is responsible for ensuring that FWA performs its functions and exercises its powers efficiently etc. (see section 581).
16 Section 578 sets out matters the FWA must take into account in performing its functions or exercising its powers:
In performing functions or exercising powers, in relation to a matter, under a part of this Act (including this Part), FWA must take into account:
(a) the objects of this Act, and any objects of the part of this Act; and
(b) equity, good conscience and the merits of the matter; and
(c) the need to respect and value the diversity of the work force by helping to prevent and eliminate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual preference, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.
17 Chapter 5, Part 5-1, Division 3 deals with the conduct of matters before FWA and contains s 587 which is in the following terms:
(1) Without limiting when FWA may dismiss an application, FWA 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.
(2) Despite paragraphs (1)(b) and (c), FWA 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) FWA may dismiss an application:
(a) on its own initiative; or
(b) on application.
18 Chapter 5, Part 5-1, Division 3, Subdivision E deals with appeals from FWA and contains s 604 which is in the following terms:
(1) A person who is aggrieved by a decision:
(a) made by FWA (other than a decision of a Full Bench or the Minimum Wage Panel); or
(b) made by the General Manager (including a delegate of the General Manager) under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009;
may appeal the decision, with the permission of FWA.
(2) Without limiting when FWA may grant permission, FWA must grant permission if FWA is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so.
Note: Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to an application for an unfair dismissal (see section 400).
(3) A person may appeal the decision by applying to FWA.
19 Section 607 deals with the manner in which appeals may be conducted and the powers of FWA when dealing with an appeal:
(1) An appeal from, or a review of, a decision of FWA or the General Manager may be heard or conducted without holding a hearing only if:
(a) it appears to FWA that the appeal or review can be adequately determined without persons making oral submissions for consideration in the appeal or review; and
(b) the persons who would otherwise, or who will, make submissions (whether oral or written) for consideration in the appeal or review consent to the appeal or review being heard or conducted without a hearing.
(2) FWA may:
(a) admit further evidence; and
(b) take into account any other information or evidence.
(3) FWA may do any of the following in relation to the appeal or review:
(a) confirm, quash or vary the decision;
(b) make a further decision in relation to the matter that is the subject of the appeal or review;
(c) refer the matter that is the subject of the appeal or review to an FWA Member (other than a Minimum Wage Panel Member) and:
(i) require the FWA Member to deal with the subject matter of the decision; or
(ii) require the FWA Member to act in accordance with the directions of FWA.
20 Finally, the jurisdiction of the Full Bench to hear and determine an application for permission to appeal and appeal from a decision of a single member of FWA is dealt with in Chapter 5, Part 5-1, Division 4.