Anthony Bonaccorso and General Forest Tree Surgeons Pty Limited [2003] NSWIRComm 70

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales

CITATION : Anthony Bonaccorso and General Forest Tree Surgeons Pty Limited [2003] NSWIRComm 70 APPLICANT: PARTIES : Anthony Bonaccorso RESPONDENT: General Forest Tree Surgeons Pty Limited FILE NUMBER: 6175 of 2002 CORAM: Sams DP Termination of employment - unfair dismissal - alleged constructive dismissal - applicant's resignation - application filed outside 21 day time limit - whether sufficient reason for delay - s85(3) of the Act - reason for, and length of delay - hardship for applicant or employer - conduct of employer - prospects of success - unrepresented litigant - principles considered. CATCHWORDS : Held, lack of relevant evidence - insufficient reason for delay - delay significant - applicant obtained alternative employment - no hardship for applicant - employer's belief that applicant had resigned - doubt as to prospects of success - exercise of discretion refused - application dismissed. LEGISLATION CITED : Industrial Relations Act 1996 Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union, New South Wales Branch (on behalf of Shauna Lorelle Borg) and Merrylands Bowling, Sporting and Recreational Club Limited [2002] NSWIRComm 291 Baxter and Charlestown Shopping Centre Holdings Pty Ltd (unreported Harrison DP, IRC829 of 1999, 17 March 1999) Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor, (1996) 186 CLR 541 Griffith Ex-Services Club Limited v Federated Liquor and Allied Industries Employees Union of Australia (NSW Branch) (1993) 51 IR 186 Herrera and Creative Packaging Services Pty Ltd (unreported Sams DP, IRC2108 of 1999, 11 November 1999) Kent Gorrell v Uwatec Pty Ltd (unreported, Sams DP, IRC1700 of 1999, 11 November 1999) Maity and Express Publications Pty Ltd [2001] NSWIRComm 169 Martin v Nominal Defendant (1957) 74 WN (NSW) 121 CASES CITED : McClymont and Thomson Financial Pty Ltd [2002] NSWIRComm 283 Parker v Capitol Painters & Decorators Pty Ltd (1996) 68 IR 100 Schwager v Church Stores [1999] NSWIRComm 485 Sebastian v Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales (1995) 62 IR 190 Skelly v Prouds Jewellers Pty Ltd (1994) 53 IR 3 Stephan and RL Whyburn and Associates [2000] NSWIRComm 154 Thomas v Repco Auto Tech (unreported, Tabbaa C, IRC3900 of 1998, 23 March 1999), Weisser and Spur Group Pty Limited [2002] NSWIRComm 15) HEARING DATES: 02/28/2003 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 03/25/2003