© 2026 Zoe. All rights reserved.
Zoe is a legal information platform. Always consult the Federal Register of Legislation for authoritative text.
[2020] NSWIRComm 1043
Industrial Relations Commission (NSW)
2020-06-09
Original judgment source is linked above.
DECISION
Background
CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE I, Amanda Beadman, hereby accept the offer of ongoing employment within NSW State Emergency Service, based on the following conditions of employment. …………………………… I understand that a probation period of 6 months applies. …………………………… My signature confirms that I accept the terms and conditions set out in the offer letter dated 23 October 2019, and acknowledge that the salary and conditions stated therein are final. …………………………...
The legislation
Submissions of the respondent
80 Appointment and promotion of constables (1) The Commissioner may, subject to this Act and the regulations, appoint any person of good character and with satisfactory educational qualifications as a police officer of the rank of constable. (2) A person when first appointed as such a police officer is to be appointed on probation in accordance with the regulations. (3) The Commissioner may dismiss any such probationary police officer from the NSW Police Force at any time and without giving any reason. (4) The promotion of police officers within the rank of constable is subject to the regulations.
Submissions of the applicant
The nature of the Applicant's role 9. The Applicant's Statement of 29 May 2020… relevantly notes the following in relation to her role: (a) the Applicant had two direct reports…; (b) during her first month of employment in November 2019, the Applicant was provided with intensive training in relation to the Respondent's operations…; (c) from her second month of employment in December 2019, the Applicant's supervisor adopted a more detached management style and afforded her significant autonomy in her role…; (d) the Applicant would undertake a large variety of tasks without oversight or direction…; and (e) for those of the Applicant's tasks whereby superior sign-off was required, clear systems were in place... 10. From the above description it is apparent that the Applicant was succeeding in her role from at least December 2019 and that she was perceived as a valuable member of the Respondent's enterprise. Her high degree of autonomy and the responsibilities vested in her, further reaffirm the diligence and competency with which she approached her role. This is also captured by the constant commendations the Applicant received from the Respondent... 11. Accordingly, it is submitted that a probation period of six-months, which would have continued until 13 May 2020, was unreasonable given the nature and circumstances of the employment.
The personal characteristics of the Applicant 12. It is also submitted that a probation period of six-months was unreasonable given the personal characteristics of the Applicant. 13. As outlined…, the Applicant has had a highly distinguished career in the media and public relations industry, including extensive experience in the NSW public sector. It was, seemingly, for this reason that she ultimately was chosen for the particular role in question. 14. Given the Applicant's experience and familiarity with the duties she was allocated, a six-month probation period was excessive and unreasonable. A probation of this length of time was not required for an employee with the Applicant's skill-set, proficiency and aptitude.
The size, location and mode of operation of the Respondent 15. As noted…, the Applicant was familiar with the structure of the Respondent's enterprise. To this end, an extended probation period was not required to assist with any adjustment. Again, the fact that the Applicant was acquainted with the NSW public sector is significant.
The circumstances of her dismissal 16. Finally, in considering the probation period, pursuant to Levy, it is worth noting the circumstances of the Applicant's dismissal. 17. As captured…, the Applicant was dismissed without any prior notice for purported performance concerns. Herein it is noted that at no time had the Respondent raised such concerns with her. Rather…, the Applicant had been receiving praise for her performance thus far. 18. In this regard, the Applicant refutes the Respondent's contention that her dismissal was justified on the basis that she had "not satisfied the requirements for the role in which the person is employed" (Rule 5(c) of the GSE Rules). 19. On these grounds it is submitted that a probation period of six-months was unreasonable. Given the nature of the Applicant's role, her personal characteristics and her familiarity with the Respondent's operations, it is contended that there was no need for an extended probation period. At all times the Applicant demonstrated a high degree of competency, autonomy and proficiency and consequently there was no reason for her dismissal.
Reply submissions of the respondent
Determination
14 Termination of employment (1) The employment of a Public Service non-executive employee may not be terminated under section 47 of the Act unless - (a) the employee is, to the extent that it is reasonably practicable to do so, notified of the proposed termination and given a reasonable opportunity to make submissions in relation to the proposed termination, and (b) the agency head has taken any such submissions into consideration. (2) This rule does not limit any of the other requirements under these Rules that relate to the termination of employment of a Public Service non-executive employee.
Order
Amendments 29 June 2020 - In Catchwords deleted the word "probationary" and inserted the word "probation" and "probation period" DISCLAIMER - Every effort has been made to comply with suppression orders or statutory provisions prohibiting publication that may apply to this judgment or decision. The onus remains on any person using material in the judgment or decision to ensure that the intended use of that material does not breach any such order or provision. Further enquiries may be directed to the Registry of the Court or Tribunal in which it was generated. Decision last updated: 29 June 2020
Beadman
NSW State Emergency Service