Dowling v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd (ACN 003 357 720) (Formerly John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd) [2008] FCA 1470

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Dowling v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd (ACN 003 357 720) (Formerly John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd) [2008] FCA 1470

INDUSTRIAL LAW – appeals from decisions of Federal Magistrates Court summarily dismissing proceedings on the basis that they had no reasonable prospects of success – statutory construction – meaning of provisions in Pt 16 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) – freedom of association.

Held: Appeals upheld.

Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth) Federal Magistrates Act 1999 (Cth) Federal Magistrates Court Rules 2001 (Cth) Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (NSW) Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW) Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Cth) Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Bill 2005 (Cth)

Australasian Meat Industry Employees' Union v Belandra Pty Ltd (2003) 126 IR 165; [2003] FCA 910 Australian Workers' Union v BHP Iron-Ore Pty Ltd (2001) 106 FCR 482; [2001] FCA 3 BHP Iron Ore Pty Ltd v Australian Workers' Union (2000) 102 FCR 97; [2000] FCA 430 Burnie Port Corporation Pty Ltd v Maritime Union of Australia (2000) 104 FCR 440; [2000] FCA 1768 Byrne v Australian Ophthalmic Supplies Pty Ltd (2008) 169 IR 236; [2008] FCA 66 Community and Public Sector Union(2006) 157 IR 470; [2006] FCAFC 176 Community and Public Sector Union v Commonwealth of Australia (2006) 157 IR 457; [2006] FCA 1589 Community and Public Sector Union v Commonwealth of Australia (2006) 157 IR 470; [2006] FCAFC 176 Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union v BHP Steel (AIS) Pty Ltd [2000] FCA 1008 Davids Distribution Pty Ltd v National Union of Workers (1999) 91 FCR 463; [1999] FCA 1108 Dowling v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd [2008] FCA 1114 Dowling v John Fairfax Publications Pty Limited (No 3) [2008] FMCA 845 Dowling v Kirk & 16 Ors (No 3) [2008] FMCA 1083 Dowling v Kirk [2008] FCA 165 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy (2000) 205 CLR 337; [2000] HCA 63 Employment Advocate v Williamson (2001) FCR 20; [2001] FCA 1164 Endresz v Whitehouse [1998] 3 VR 461 Geelong Grammar School [2000] FCA 557 Greater Dandenong City Council v Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union (2001) FCR 232; [2001] FCA 349 Hope v Bathurst City Council (1980) 144 CLR 1 House v The King (1936) 55 CLR 499 Independent Education Union v Geelong Grammar School [2000] FCA 557 Jefferson Ford Pty Ltd v Ford Motor Company of Australia Ltd (2008) 167 FCR 372; [2008] FCAFC 60 JF Keir Pty Ltd v Sparks [2008] FCA 611 Jordan v Mornington Inn Pty Ltd (2007) 166 IR 33; [2007] FCA 1384 McIlwain v Ramsey Food Packaging Pty Ltd (2006) 154 IR 111; [2006] FCA 828) Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs v Teoh (1995) 183 CLR 273 National Union of Workers v Qenos Pty Ltd (2001) 108 FCR 90; [2001] FCA 178 Re JRL; Ex parte CJL (1986) 161 CLR 342; [1986] HCA 39 The Australian Gas Light Company v The Valuer-General (1940) 40 SR (NSW) 126 Unsworth v Tristar Steering and Suspension Australia Limited [2008] FCA 1224