WAQA v TECHNICAL AND FURTHER EDUCATION COMMISSION [2009] NSWCA 213

New South Wales Court of Appeal

CITATION: WAQA v TECHNICAL AND FURTHER EDUCATION COMMISSION [2009] NSWCA 213

HEARING DATE(S): 3 June 2009

JUDGMENT DATE: 24 July 2009

JUDGMENT OF: Beazley JA at 1; Giles JA at 2; Basten JA at 3

(1) Grant the applicant leave to appeal.

(2) Direct that the draft notice of appeal contained in the white book be filed within seven days but waive compliance with the Rules with respect to service. DECISION: (3) Dismiss the appeal.

(4) Order the appellant to pay the respondent's costs of the proceedings in this Court.

CATCHWORDS: ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – judicial review – procedural fairness – existence of obligation – hearing – notice to persons affected – ongoing disciplinary investigation – amendment to statutory framework – whether obligation to notify of possible decision under amended framework - ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – judicial review – error of law – whether transitional provisions applied – disciplinary investigation – allegation of misconduct – whether preconditions to exercise of power satisfied - PUBLIC SERVICE – employees – procedure with respect to allegations of misconduct or unsatisfactory work performance – power to take remedial action - WORDS AND PHRASES – "breach of discipline" – "remedial action"

Education Legislation Amendment (Staff) Act 2006 (NSW), Sch 1.2 LEGISLATION CITED: Public Sector Employment and Management Act 2002 (NSW), s 4F Technical and Further Education Commission Act 1990 (NSW), ss 5, 16, 22D, 22E, 22F, 22H, 22J; Pt 4, Sch 4; Pt 6A. cll 11, 12 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), r 36.16

CATEGORY: Principal judgment

Ainsworth v Criminal Justice Commission [1992] HCA 10; 175 CLR 564 Annetts v McCann [1990] HCA 57; 170 CLR 596 Castle v Director-General State Emergency Service [2008] NSWCA 231 Baba v Parole Board (NSW) (1986) 5 NSWLR 338 Commissioner for Australian Capital Territory Revenue v Alphaone Pty Ltd [1994] FCA 1074; 49 FCR 576 CASES CITED: Commissioner of Police v Ryan [2007] NSWCA 196; 70 NSWLR 73 Commissioner of Police v Tanos [1958] HCA 6; 98 CLR 383 The Council of the New South Wales Bar Association v Sahade [2007] NSWCA 145 Muin v Refugee Review Tribunal [2002] HCA 30; 76 ALJR 966 Re Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Ex parte Miah [2001] HCA 22; 206 CLR 57 SZBEL v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs [2006] HCA 63; 228 CLR 152 Vanmeld Pty Ltd v Fairfield City Council [1999] NSWCA 6; 46 NSWLR 78