The Australian newspaper reports that affidavits tendered in the Federal Court by the former chief of staff of Teal Independent Monique Ryan allege that the Member for Kooyong told her employee she could not “have a paper trail” around plans to move her on.
Former staffer Sally Rugg is suing Dr Ryan for unreasonable work expectations.
The article quotes Arnold Bloch Leibler’s workplace advisory partner Bridget Little explaining that a failure to provide notice of termination in writing is a breach of the Fair Work Act.
"It is a minimum requirement for most employees,” Bridget said. "I often see a party bring a broader claim, for example adverse action, and then tack on a more technical breach of this kind to the proceeding."
Nonetheless, Bridget says it is not uncommon for employers not to provide written notice. 'If there are active separation discussions, and either party wants to keep their options open, it is common not to commit to a termination in writing."
The court case is viewed as a potential catalyst to change the workplace culture in Australian politics.
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