Hurrell and Queensland Cotton Corporation Limited [2003] NSWIRComm 139

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales

CITATION : Hurrell and Queensland Cotton Corporation Limited [2003] NSWIRComm 139 APPELLANTS: Paul Hurrell Phillip Reynolds PARTIES : Anthony Sadler

RESPONDENT: Queensland Cotton Corporation Limited FILE NUMBER: IRC 4869; 4881; 4882 of 2001 CORAM: Wright J President; Walton J Vice-President; McKenna C CATCHWORDS : Appeal - Unfair dismissal - Appeal against decision refusing extension of time for s 84 applications - Ignorance of the law no excuse - Error to apply maxim "ignorantia legis neminem excusat" - Discretion - Hardship - Prospects of success - Leave granted - Appeal upheld - Reasons for extempore decision. LEGISLATION CITED : Industrial Relations Act 1991 s 246 Industrial Relations Act 1996 s 84 s 85 Brady v Kennedy t/as "Sardines" (1999) 91 IR 258 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1997) 186 CLR 541 Buckman and Another v Burdekin Resources NL (1998) 85 IR 415 Gorrell and Uwatec Pty Ltd (unreported, IRC99/1700, 5 July 1999) CASES CITED : Griffith Ex-Services Club Limited v Federated Liquor and Allied Employees Union of Australia (NSW Branch) on Behalf of Vian (1993) 51 IR 186 Micallef v ICI Australia Operations Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 274 Sebastian v Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales (1995) 62 IR 190 Skelly v Prouds Jewellers Pty Ltd (1994) 53 IR 3 Weisser and Spur Group Pty Limited [2002] NSWIRComm 15 Western Sydney Area Health Service v Gibson (2001) 109 IR 359 HEARING DATES: 11/01/2001 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 05/08/2003