Keller, M. v. Australian Postal Corporation [1994] FCA 1002
Federal Court of Australia
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JUDGMENT No. 0/0087 Dt,
IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
VICTORIA DISTRICT REGISTRY No.VG 394 of 1994
GENERAL DIVISION
BETWEEN:
MARIA KELLER
Applicant
- and -
AUSTRALIAN POSTATL CORPORATION
Respondent
JUDGE Heerey J
DATE: 2 December 1994
PLACE: Melbourne
EX TEMPORE REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
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
total and permanent disablement benefits.
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
law; it cannot re-hear her claim on the merits.
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
also.
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,
but I only make that as a suggestion.
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
sought by the respondent.
I order the applicant pay the respondent's costs, including
reserved costs.
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
Date of hearing: 2 December 1994
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