s.394 - Unfair dismissal

Application for an unfair dismissal remedy - dismissal under s.587(1)(c) at the Commission's initiative for want of prosecution.

• [1] On 5 January 2025, Ms Deanna Caddy made an unfair dismissal application to the Fair Work Commission under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

• [2] Ms Caddy's application raised a concern about whether her application was filed within the 21-day time limit.

• [3] Commission staff tried to contact Ms Caddy and her representative on 21 February and 6 March 2025 by email and SMS about this concern. Ms Caddy, nor her representative, have responded to the Commission's correspondence.

• [4] Section 587 allows the Commission to dismiss an application on the Commission's own initiative in the early stages of the proceedings for want of prosecution. If an applicant's conduct or omissions show that they are no longer willing to participate in their own case the Commission is not required to persevere with the application (see Viavattene v Health Care Australia [2013] FWCFB 2532 at [39]).

• [5] I am satisfied that Ms Caddy has had the opportunity to put a case for consideration on all matters material to the decision to dismiss the application under s.587. In the circumstances I am satisfied that the facility under s.587 can and should be engaged to dismiss Ms Caddy's application. I make the following order:

1. The application under s.394 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) made by Ms Deanna Caddy on 5 January 2025 is dismissed.

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer