[2025] FWC 2316
General information, not legal advice.
Fair Work Commission
2025-08-08
Original judgment source is linked above.
This matter is confidential, and you are directed not to discuss or communicate with anyone in relation to this matter other than Jaimee McKinley or WorkPac's ER Team. During the period you are stood down you are also directed not to contact any WorkPac or Client Employees.
WorkPac appreciates your cooperation in its attempt to resolve this matter as soon as possible. Again, if you require support or assistance during this time, I encourage you to utilise WorkPac's EAP service."
Can you explain the above behaviour, is substantiated, is consistent the continuation of your employment with workpac?
On the 26th of January 2025 I was operating a ridged dump truck on a digger circuit before receiving a mine 2 way call around 8:00am by supervisor to stop operating and meet at the crib hut. I had met the field supervisor at the crib hut, I was informed another batchfire employee that I share accommodation with had failed a dna saliva test for THC, which I was confused from the outcome of the results. I was then informed that I was to participate in a drug and alcohol testing for a cause of suspicion since I reside at the same accommodation. The supervisor had asked if I had smoked any marijuana last night which in my case revealing my personal life and those details was intrusive because of the taboo that comes with substance abuse and self medicating with substance. I then proceeded to tell them the truth not to protect myself but others involved in the incident. I had informed the supervisor that I had smoke the night before at 8:30pm 25th of January 2025. I didn't want my supervisor to think I would ever commence work and partake in that behaviour of taking drugs (illegal/legal) or alcohol endangering myself and others I work with. Even though I was embarrassed I had told the supervisor to protect my integrity and others involved. We proceeded to the bathhouse in a light vehicle with the supervisor driving the vehicle. At the bathhouse I participated in an alcohol and drug testing where I was questioned about what I had done the night before. The paramedic and supervisor was informed when I had finished work I had traveled home had dinner, smoked and showered then went to bed. The information I had verbally given I finished smoking marijuana around 8:30pm then I was asleep before 9:30pm. By the time I had explained about the night before I had a result BAC 0.00 for my alcohol and result for saliva test had a positive reading with THC. That time of participating in those testing I was so confused because in any other time that I have had the same routine after and before work and never failed before, plus I had told the paramedic I had self tested before I had even drove to work. I then informed the paramedic could the results be different because the self testing units are different from the drug testing units that are in possession and used for drug and alcohol performed from a qualified tester. The paramedic then proceeded to tell me the 2 test units don't differentiate from each other which is false. The paramedic informed me they where more expensive then the other tests so they used them for there personal use, which is unfair in my opinion. Securetec drug swipe 6 s test units that are only obtained by a qualified testers have a 5ng/ml THC cut off strip in the unit, which that information I had obtain myself after the incident. The self testing units that I had obtain from batchfire self testing room Drug Check Saliva Scan has a 12ng/ml THC cut off which is still below the Australian standard. Australian standard is 15ng/ml THC cut off in laboratory which is information I had also obtain after the incident. Cut-off levels are important in drug testing because they help balance accuracy with fairness. They prevent individuals from testing positive due to incidental exposure or minimal drug use that doesn't impair performance. For instance, candidates undergoing a drug test for a job should not be penalised for trace amounts of substances that do not affect their ability to work safely. From the positive THC result from the first test they proceed with the protocol and I participated in another test which was a negative. The paramedic was on the phone with the Site Senior Executive, which the paramedic was directed because of the incident coinciding with my incident just to send me home probably to protect others on the mine site in case of a false reading, that is my own allegation. I then was directed to do a b sample before I was driven home by another co-worker that was not involved in the incident/testing. I was so embarrassed and disgusted in myself because I didn't like anyone knowing that I partake in taking this substance every now and then for self medicating reasons which I'm not proud of, let alone failing my first test. I had no intentions of coming to work with any traces of anything in my system. I take pride in having a safe workplace for me and others in it. That's why if I ever did take that substance that can impair co ordination or impair my cognitive thinking I would perform a self test before driving to work. If I had failed a self test I would not proceed to work for it is my duty of care. Which in the years of working with this client I have never not come to work from a failed self test unit provided by batchfire. After the incident on the 26th of January 2025 I immediately message my site manager Jaimee McKinley around 10:00am just to inform I had been sent home because of matter provided above. On the same day 26th of January 2025 I had received a message from the supervisor at 1:48pm directing me if I hadn't been told back at work tomorrow night. I responded to the message explaining I will be attending, so I made sure i was fit for work for the first night shift on the 27th of January 2025. Before my night shift out of fear self tested with a self testing saliva unit provided from batchfire just to be sure weather I had no substances that could have the same situation arise at work again. Swiped on the worksite getting a green light at the start of shift. Walked straight into the pre-start without conversing with my co-workers out of embarrassment. Had a supervisor approach me and directed me to see them after my pre-start. Also received a message on my phone to meet with the supervisors after pre-start. After pre-start I had done as directed and was taken to the drug and alcohol testing room which I already had an idea they would take that precaution after the prior shift. I proceeded to participate with the drug and alcohol feeling pretty confident for passing my 2nd test the day before. I had a BAC 0.00 and tested negative for the drug saliva test. The open cut mine examiner performed the test and my supervisor was my witness. The OCE showed my supervisor both the test then they aloud me to proceed to work. I had waited for a light vehicle to take me out to field for work. Waited for about 15-20mins got into a light vehicle traveling out to the pit and received a mine 2 way radio call for me to return to the bathhouse. I did what I was directed to do and come back to meet the supervisors in the OCE office. I was informed that I had tested positive for THC which I was confused because I had left and 2 other people had gone in after my testing. We were in a different room from my first initial test with another test already sitting in front of the OCE and supervisor. I was very confused and frustrated by this point and proceeded to challenge the supervisor and OCE on how these tests work because I had done light reading on the tests. Only because I got a negative on my test the day before so I speculated that I definitely should be a negative on the suspicion on being under the influence of THC, so I participated with the second test. The second test come back positive for THC which by then I was upset and really confused because I self tested before coming to work. I told my supervisor I had self tested before work and haven't even smoked since my last smoke at 8:30pm 25th January of 2025. My Supervisor sarcastically said if you didn't smoke why would you self test. I said why wouldn't I self test when the paramedic said the day before it could stay in your saliva for 72 hours depending on food, metabolic state and dehydration. So why would I risk coming to work without testing after that comment. I asked if I could do another test and they said no, that the paramedic was coming to perform a b sample to get it sent to a laboratory to finalise the results. Sitting and waiting in the OCE office for 10 minutes one of the supervisors come in and said I was obligated to challenge the supervisor for them to test me. Which I was aware of this before when I ask and they said no, I was really upset by this point and why I resulting in a positive in the saliva test when I have never been that many hours after smoking and resulting positive for THC with a saliva testing unit. I responded to the supervisor I'm done with all these tests send it the laboratory so it can shine some light on the matter because I felt fine and not impaired at all. The paramedic had come into the room and we had proceeded with a b sample which was performed no different from the day before. When I participated in the b sample they had sent me home with another 2 co-workers that weren't involved with the incident to drive me home. After I had been driven home and took a picture of my self test saliva unit provided by batchfire prior coming to work just so I have a some sort of evidence for personal reasons. I was disappointed and disgusted that I should of taken more precaution knowing they had change the saliva tests weeks before but I had not been smoking marijuana for weeks prior to this incident. But when I had known I could smoke the week before I had been tested positive for THC, that they must have the other tests still in the self testing room for a reason and where reliable test to use for my self testing. Obviously I was wrong. The next morning on the 28th of January 2025 I called my site manager to inform Jaimee of what has happened since we had still not talked from my incident on the 26th of January 2025. My site manager was busy dealing with another matter so I called my coordinator Chris McKinley to At least have someone from workpac know, so no one is left out on the matter. After my coordinator and I had spoken about the matter Jaimee was not far off returning my call and she was informed on the matter. I informed Jaimee in any other situation that was similar to this, same routine before and after work but never once failed my Random tests at work. I also informed her this is not an everyday thing i don't take this substance all the time and sometimes i could not even touched the substance for years. But being employed by Workpac and contracted to my client batchfire for almost 4 years I have never failed a site blanket test and random drug test or never failed smoking in a 24hour window. I also self tested with the same test used during the matter. Jaimee directed me to wait for the results and we will proceed from there. I had waited 3 days and had been anxious about the matter so I had called Jaimee on the 31st January of 2025 to see if she had heard anything about the results, which Jaimee informed me if she had heard anything she would call me. That afternoon Jaimee had called me informing me my test come back positive for THC. I was in shock in disbelief and still am. Jaimee informed me that she had sent me an email about allegations and if I wanted to respond to it. I am in disbelief but I am willing to accept the allegations if I have seen the results from the laboratory. If the allegations are substantiated about the positive laboratory test I will accept any disciplinary action towards me because the behaviour is embarrassing and disgusting. I'm already upset and embarrassed with the non-negative test at work because that behaviour is not acceptable in any workplace. So seeing the positive laboratory test can be educational and has a lot of closure for my mental state because I do not accept that behaviour.
Can you explain how Workpac could have faith and confidence in your ability to perform your role going forward?
I commemorate in both companies Workpac and batchfire for their policies and procedures for making my workplace a safe place to be apart of. I am very disappointed in myself from the allegations and findings against me. Therefore I will not partake in taking the substance I've been alleged to be under the influence whilst attending batchfire worksite. That is one of the policies that make me feel safe in my workplace and I never thought I would be someone to breach this policies for I have always been careful of being fit for duty. So I will not medicate myself with any substance but study and understand cognitive thinking therapy to help me in dealing with everyday challenges. I haven't been dealing well with some of my personal challenges but I have come realisation that somethings need to be addressed differently, because even though I thought I was doing the right thing by trying to be sure I was fit for work that there is a likelihood of failure. So I believe you can have faith and confidence in me from experience of my failure and breaching this procedure and policies. So now because of this matter if my actions and behaviour have any likelihood of breaching these policies or procedures I will not act or behave in anyway. I strive on safety for myself and for wellbeing of others. My performance at work I am always learning and always bettering myself so I can be an asset for the company. So I plead to you that this mistake won't keep me down, I will move forward and not let these allegations tarnish who I am as a person.
Can you provide any other reasons why Workpac should not finalise your employment?
I'm a hard worker and strive on safety no matter the hurdles and challenges in front of me I keep trying, attacking my goals never quitting. The last 3 years have been somewhat one of the most challenging time of my life but I have not lost site of my goals and what needs to be done in my life. If Workpac and Batchfire have faith in my words I will not let you down and achieve one of my goals which is to be one of the faces leading in the Industry to mould the foundation on every attributes that make the industry so successful.
RE: Investigation Close Out - Termination of Employment
WorkPac writes in relation to your current assignment with Batchfire Callide Management Pty Ltd (Client) at Callide Mine (Site) as a PROP - Mobile Plant Operator (Position).
Having regard to the above circumstances, WorkPac has made the following findings in respect of the allegations in the Show Cause Letter.
It is alleged that on or around 27 January 2025, you attended site and undertook a random drug and alcohol test which returned initial reading of non-negative for THC. It is further alleged that confirmatory testing has resulted in a positive reading for THC.
WorkPac has reviewed all information relative to the investigation inclusive of your Show Cause. WorkPac further notes the typographical error in the above allegation. Specifically, the allegation states that the initial non-negative occurred on 27 January 2025, however, in accordance with the confirmatory test results and your Show Cause Response, WorkPac confirms that the initial non-negative occurred on 26 January 2025 and a further non-negative occurred on 27 January 2025.
In consideration of your Show Cause Response, WorkPac confirms that, by your own admission, you had attended for Site after consuming marijuana, and whilst you believed yourself to be fit for work, you did in fact produce two (2) non-negative results on two (2) consecutive days. Further, upon confirmatory testing, these two (2) nonnegative tests produced positive results for THC, with the second test producing higher readings than the first.
In circumstances where it is WorkPac's position that you must be fit for work and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when attending for work, WorkPac confirms that Allegation One has been substantiated.
For the above actions, WorkPac considers that you have breached the following policies and procedures that relate to your employment:
Where your substantiated conduct is in breach of the abovementioned policies and procedures, WorkPac considers your conduct further breaches the Terms and Condition of your Employment ('The Terms'), your Notice of Offer of Employment ('The Notice') and the Guide which relevantly provide that you must comply with Client and WorkPac policies and procedures while on site.
In determining an appropriate outcome for this investigation, WorkPac has had regard for all available information including your responses. Where you have materially breached WorkPac and Client policies and procedures by attending Site under the influence of THC, WorkPac considers your conduct inconsistent with the continuation of your contract of employment.
Considering all available information WorkPac considers the substantiated conduct warrants termination of your employment effective immediately.
This correspondence therefore serves as confirmation of your discussion with Ms McKinley on 4 February 2025, during which you were advised that your employment with WorkPac has been terminated for serious misconduct effective immediately.
WorkPac also encourage you to reach out to its Employee Assistance Program (brochure attached) should you require any additional support at this time.
Please don't hesitate to contact your local WorkPac Business Centre should you have any questions in relation to this correspondence."
"This Full Bench has some experience of applications involving the application and efficacy of such workplace policies. We are not persuaded that urine testing, the agreed method of drug testing at Harbour City, is a guide as to the actual presence for marijuana in an employee's system or any impairment arising as a consequence. It is a testing system which in this case indicated past use and not present impairment."
"However, where the purpose of testing is to manage the risk of impairment, I have some difficulty with a testing regime that can eliminate the possibility that a person is intoxicated by cocaine (by the person testing negative to cocaine) but can deem a person unfit for work on the basis of prior cocaine use without explicitly advising the employees of this possibility"
In considering whether it is satisfied that a dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, the FWC must take into account:
(a) whether there was a valid reason for the dismissal related to the person's capacity or conduct (including its effect on the safety and welfare of other employees); and
(b) whether the person was notified of that reason; and
(c) whether the person was given an opportunity to respond to any reason related to the capacity or conduct of the person; and
(d) any unreasonable refusal by the employer to allow the person to have a support person present to assist at any discussions relating to dismissal; and
(e) if the dismissal related to unsatisfactory performance by the person - whether the person had been warned about that unsatisfactory performance before the dismissal; and
(f) the degree to which the size of the employer's enterprise would be likely to impact on the procedures followed in effecting the dismissal; and
(g) the degree to which the absence of dedicated human resource management specialists or expertise in the enterprise would be likely to impact on the procedures followed in effecting the dismissal; and
(h) any other matters that the FWC considers relevant."
Size of enterprise and availability of human resource specialists
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Maxwell Parks
WorkPac Pty Ltd [2025] FWC 2316
(1998) 88 IR 21