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[1994] FCA 1002
Federal Court of Australia
1994-12-02
Heerey J
Original judgment source is linked above.
JUDGMENT No. 0/0087 Dt, IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
Applicant
The respondent Australian Postal Corporation applies for an order under O 20 r 2, which enables the Court when it is
satisfied in relation to any claim that there is no reasonable cause of action disclosed, or that the proceeding is frivolous or vexatious or an abuse of the process of the Court, to order
that the proceeding be stayed or dismissed generally.
The proceeding was started on 7 November 1994 when the applicant lodged an application for a review of certain administrative decisions. Those were - first, a decision made by Angela Sawyer, claims manager, Australia Post, on 4 March 1992, relating to compensation for personal injury sustained on 12 September 1991; secondly a decision made by S. Wallace, work environment section, retail and delivery business unit claims manager on 26 February 1993 relating to compensation
for personal injury sustained on or after 17 June 1992; and
thirdly, made by Mrs L. Turner for K.A. Searson, Commissioner for Superannuation, Commonwealth Superannuation Administration on 29 June 1994 relating to an application for payment of the
It appears the applicant has commenced proceedings in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal seeking to review the second of those decisions. Quite apart from the question that the present application to this Court is out of time under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act, it seems much better from everyone's point of view, especially the applicant's, that she have the full right of re-hearing of her claim for compensation that she will get in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. This Court can only review questions of
As to the third claim, the respondent, Australian Postal Corporation, is not responsible for superannuation
administration and, in any event, that claim is out of time
The applicant has filed two affidavits which do not make out any case for extension of time. The affidavits and what the applicant said before me this morning do go into considerable detail in relation to problems she has encountered at her work. Of course I am not in a position to say anything as to the correctness or otherwise of her claims. Also, she
complains that she is still treated as an employee of
Australia Post and she says that under the relevant award,
after 78 weeks sick leave, her employment is terminated.
I feel sorry for the applicant who, obviously, is in need of some independent advice about her superannuation and employment entitlements, but this Court is not given the responsibility to give advice of that kind; the Industrial
Relations Commission may be able to give her some assistance,
I am satisfied the claims made in the applicant's application under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act,
should not be allowed to proceed further. I grant the orders
I order the applicant pay the respondent's costs, including
I certify that this and the preceding 3 (three) pages are a true copy of the reasons for judgment of his Honour Mr Justice Heerey.
Date 2 of 1994 Lewecl Appearances Counsel for the applicant: In Person Solicitor for the applicant: In Person Counsel for the respondent: M McInnis Solicitor for the respondent: Wisewoulds