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[2024] FWC 2242
respondent. Extension of time refused; unfair dismissal application dismissed (see [49]–[50]).
Mr Kemp, a long-serving livestock buyer, was told on 3 May 2024 his services were no longer required. He filed an unfair dismissal application on 7 July 2024, 44 days after the 21-day deadline. The Commission considered statutory factors under s 394(3), including his recent hospital admissions and convalescence, his lack of action to dispute the dismissal until shortly before filing, absence of employer prejudice, and the weak merits because payments appeared to have been made via a company suggesting an independent contractor relationship. The Commissioner found the medical evidence did not satisfactorily explain the delay, the merits weighed against extension, and that exceptional circumstances were not established. The extension was refused and the application dismissed (see [23], [24]–[27], [31]–[36], [42]–[50]).
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1,692 words · generated 06/07/2026
Mr Michael Kemp, age 75, had a long association with Hardwicks as a livestock buyer stretching back to the early 1990s (see [3]). On 3 May 2024 he was visited at home and told by a representative of Hardwicks that his services were no longer required (see [4], [23]). He filed a Form F2 unfair dismissal application on 7 July 2024 (see [5]), which was 44 clear days after the last date he could have filed under the 21-day rule prescribed by s 394(2)(a) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the FW Act) (see [24]–[26]). Hardwicks filed a response on 20 July 2024 raising jurisdictional objections, notably lateness and that Mr Kemp was an independent contractor rather than an employee (see [6]).
The Commission programmed a determinative conference to decide whether to grant a further period for filing the application (see [7]–[8]). The matter proceeded as a determinative conference on 14 August 2024 (see [8], [11]). The Commissioner, after receiving evidence from Mr Kemp and his daughter and an uncontested witness statement from the respondent, considered whether "exceptional circumstances" under s 394(3) justified allowing an extension of time (see [10]–[12], [24]–[27]). The Commissioner determined that the effective date of dismissal was 3 May 2024 (see [23]), that the applicant's medical history did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the entire period of delay (see [31]–[36]), that Mr Kemp took no action to dispute his dismissal until close to filing (see [38]–[40]), and that the merits of the claim were weak because the arrangement bore trappings of an independent contractor relationship (see [42]–[44]). Taking all s 394(3) factors into account, the Commissioner concluded there were no exceptional circumstances, refused an extension and dismissed the application (see [46]–[50]).
Statutory framework: section 394(2)(a) requires an unfair dismissal application to be filed within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect. Section 394(3) permits an extension only if the Commission is satisfied there are "exceptional circumstances" after considering specified matters (see [24]–[26]). The statutory list in s 394(3) requires consideration of the reason for delay, whether the applicant first became aware of the dismissal after it took effect, any action taken to dispute the dismissal, prejudice to the employer, the merits of the application, and fairness between persons in similar positions (see [26]).
Application of the law to facts: The Commissioner first fixed the effective date as 3 May 2024, making the filing deadline 24 May 2024; Mr Kemp filed on 7 July 2024 (44 days late) (see [23], [25]). The primary factual contest was whether Mr Kemp's health, serious hospital admissions February–April 2024 followed by convalescence, provided a satisfactory reason for the tardy filing. The Commissioner accepted that Mr Kemp was seriously ill earlier in the year and that he was in a period of convalescence after 1 May 2024 (see [14]–[18]). However, the medical material, including cardiologist notes from 20 May and 27 June 2024 that Mr Kemp "has done well" and is "back to his normal self", demonstrated clinical improvement by the relevant period and did not show incapacity preventing him from filing within the required time (see [20], [33]–[35]). The Commissioner emphasised the need for medical evidence where ill health is relied upon as the reason for delay (see [32]).
The Commissioner also considered Mr Kemp's conduct: he did not take steps to dispute his dismissal until shortly before filing (see [39]–[40]), which weighs heavily against extension. On merits, the remuneration arrangement, use of invoices from Camwin Pty Ltd associated with Mr Kemp, suggested an independent contractor relationship, casting doubt on whether Mr Kemp was a person protected by unfair dismissal provisions (see [42]–[44]). Taken together, the statutory factors did not lead to a conclusion of exceptional circumstances, and the extension was refused (see [46]–[49]).
Before: The statutory regime and existing Fair Work Commission Full Bench authorities already established that extensions under s 394(3) are exceptional, that applicants must explain delays and ordinarily must lead medical evidence if relying on health, and that the merits of an application are a legitimate consideration when deciding extensions (see the authorities cited at [26], [27], [29], [32], [42]).
After: This decision applies those settled principles to the specific facts. It reinforces a strict approach: serious illness earlier in the 21-day period will not by itself establish exceptional circumstances if objective medical evidence shows recovery during the critical filing window and the applicant took no steps to contest the dismissal. It also reinforces that the presence of a real jurisdictional question on the merits (possible independent contractor status) is a material factor against granting extensions.
Practitioners should therefore expect limited scope to rely on past serious illness unless medical evidence specifically establishes incapacity during the filing window and there is prompt action to contest the dismissal.
Passage: "I find that 3 May 2024 was the effective date of dismissal for the purposes of s.394(2)(a) of the Act." ([23])
Plain English: The Commission decided Mr Kemp was dismissed on 3 May 2024; this date starts the 21-day clock.
Passage: "Mr Kemp does not have a satisfactory reason for the delay of 44 days between the last day for him to file his application and the date he eventually did." ([36])
Plain English: The court found the explanation (health/convalescence) did not convincingly account for why the application was late by 44 days.
Passage: "I consider Mr Kemp did nothing to dispute his dismissal, until close to the time he filed his application." ([39])
Plain English: He did not attempt to contest or raise the matter promptly; he only acted shortly before filing the late application.
Passage: "Some of the material in evidence shows the relationship between Mr Kemp and Hardwicks had trappings consistent with an independent contractor relationship..." ([42])
Plain English: Evidence about how he was paid (via an associated company) suggested he might not be an employee, which weakens the underlying claim.
Passage: "Having regard to all the matters identified in s.394(3) of the FW Act, I am not satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances." ([48])
Plain English: After looking at all the factors the law requires, the commissioner decided the rare condition for extending time was not present.
Passage: "I decline to grant an extension of time for the filing of the application. The application is dismissed." ([49]–[50])
Plain English: The Commission refused to allow a late filing and therefore threw out the unfair dismissal claim.
This decision is most directly engaged when:
In such fact patterns, expect the Commission to apply this reasoning and refuse extensions unless the applicant can produce contemporaneous medical evidence of incapacity during the relevant period or show other strong, objectively verifiable reasons for delay coupled with early steps to contest.
This decision itself relies on Full Bench authorities and earlier Commission decisions (see [26]–[27], [29], [32], [35], [42], [45]) for the principles it applies. Because it is an individual Commission decision (not a Full Bench), it is persuasive at best. Future panels will likely cite this decision where the facts align, notably where a plaintiff relies on recuperation rather than ongoing incapacity. The decision reinforces existing precedent rather than creating new law: it follows the established "high hurdle" character of s 394(3) and the requirement for medical material and conduct showing active steps to dispute dismissal.
Practitioners should cite the decision for factual similarity, for example where an applicant has earlier serious hospitalisation but medical notes indicate improvement before the filing deadline, and where there was little action to dispute dismissal. The weight of the decision will depend on subsequent Full Bench or appellate treatment, which is not addressed in this decision.
Degree of medical evidence required: The Commissioner applied established statements that medical evidence is required, but the precise threshold, for example, how contemporaneous or detailed the evidence must be to show inability to act, remains fact-specific and unresolved in generality. This decision suggests cardiologist notes indicating improvement will be insufficient where they show recovery before the deadline (see [33]–[35]).
Interaction of merits and discretion: The decision treated a real question as to employment status (independent contractor manifestations) as weighing against extension. The boundaries of how weak merits must be to influence the extension remain case-by-case. There is room for argument where merits are finely balanced whether that factor should be neutral rather than adverse.
Effect of self-representation and procedural assistance: The Commission conducted a determinative conference because the applicant was self-represented (see [8]). How much weight should be given to unfamiliarity with process (particularly for older applicants) as a mitigating factor will vary; this decision treated ignorance of process as not exceptional (see [35]). Whether more active administrative assistance by the Commission in early stages could alter outcomes has not been resolved.
Consistency across cases: The Commissioner noted a body of Commission decisions refusing extensions for delays of less than 44 days (see [45]). Given the high degree of factual variation, there remains tension about predictability. Parties will continue to seek distinctions based on the length and nature of delays, the quality of medical evidence, and conduct.
Practical takeaways: if relying on medical reasons for delay, secure contemporaneous medical evidence explicitly addressing capacity to pursue legal steps during the 21-day period; take early steps to dispute dismissal; and, where possible, avoid reliance on subjective or retrospective explanations about shock or emotional overwhelm alone.
s.394 - Unfair dismissal
Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd atf Hardwicks Brothers Meatworks Trust
Unfair dismissal application filed out of time - no satisfactory reason for delay - no exceptional circumstances - application dismissed
Mr Kemp's medical history between February and April 2024
Mr Kemp's medical history between May and July 2024
For example, if an applicant is in hospital for the first 20 days of the 21 day period this would be a relevant consideration if the application was filed out of time ...[3]
Whether the person first become aware of the dismissal after it had taken effect.
What action was taken by Mr Kemp to dispute the dismissal?
What is the prejudice to the employer (including prejudice caused by the delay)?
Fairness as between Mr Kemp and other persons in a similar position
Is the Commission satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances, taking into account the matters above?
Mr Kemp representing himself, assisted by Ms Gaskett
[1] Periklis Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd t/as Richmond Oysters [2018] FWCFB 901 (Stogiannidis)
[2] Abu Murad v Command51 Services Pty Limited [2024] FWCFB 307 [26].
[3] Laetisha Diotti v Lenswood Cold Stores Co-op Society t/a Lenswood Organic [2016] FWCFB 349 [31]
[5] Australian Postal Corporation v Lili (Karen) Zhang [2015] FWCFB 5285 [22]; see also Woolworths Limited v Lin, YuDuo (Lynda) [2018] FWCFB 1643 [38], [67].
[6] Cheyne Leanne Nulty v Blue Star Group Pty Ltd [2011] FWAFB 975 [13], [14].
[7] Hendrik Van Der Sandt v Shahram Mehin & Shannon Group Services Pty Limited [2024] 2188 [39].
[8] Perry v Rio Tinto Shipping Pty Ltd [2016] FWCFB 6963 [41].
Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer
Michael Kemp
Hardwicks Meat Works Pty Ltd atf Hardwicks Brothers Meatworks Trust [2024] FWC 2242
Extension of time refused; unfair dismissal application dismissed (see [49]–[50]).