Poppy v Service to Youth Council Incorporated [2014] FCA 656

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Poppy v Service to Youth Council Incorporated [2014] FCA 656 Citation: Poppy v Service to Youth Council Incorporated [2014] FCA 656

Parties: SARAH JAYNE LOUISE POPPY v SERVICE TO YOUTH COUNCIL INCORPORATED

File number: SAD 65 of 2013

Judge: WHITE J

Date of judgment: 20 June 2014

Catchwords: HUMAN RIGHTS – sex discrimination – applicant made redundant while on maternity leave – whether applicant "targeted" for dismissal after announcing her pregnancy – whether termination constituted discrimination on the basis of sex, pregnancy or family responsibilities INDUSTRIAL LAW – National Employment Standards – whether respondent failed to respond to a request for flexible working arrangements – whether respondent failed to consult employee on parental leave regarding changes affecting status, pay or location of pre-parental leave position – whether return to work guarantee in s 84 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) contravened

Legislation: Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) ss 3, 46PD, 46PH, 46PO Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) ss 44, 65, 83, 84, 546 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) ss 4A, 5, 7, 7A, 7B, 7D, 8, 14, 28A, 28B, 106

Cases cited: Alcan (NT) Alumina Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Territory Revenue [2009] HCA 41; (2009) 239 CLR 27 Beckwith v The Queen (1976) 135 CLR 569 Kraus v Menzie [2012] FCAFC 144 Plancor Pty Ltd v Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union [2008] FCAFC 170; (2008) 171 FCR 377 Project Blue Sky Inc v Australian Broadcasting Authority [1998] HCA 28; (1998) 194 CLR 355 Purvis v State of New South Wales [2003] HCA 62; (2003) 217 CLR 92 Sterling Commerce (Australia) Pty Ltd v Iliff [2008] FCA 702; (2008) 173 IR 378 Thomson v Orica Australia Pty Ltd [2002] FCA 939; (2002) 116 IR 186