Employment & Industrial Relations NPA logo with link NPA logo with link

About this NPA


The Employment and Industrial Relations National Practice Area (NPA) comprises of civil and criminal matters arising under the Fair Work jurisdiction and related legislation including:

  • workplace-related applications
  • writs of mandamus or prohibition
  • injunctions
  • declarations
  • prosecutions
  • matters transferred or appealed from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, other Courts or the Fair Work Commission.

Latest Judgments


  • 8 May 2025: Wear v Montere E-College Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 434
    PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application for default judgment under r 5.23 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) – where the respondent has not participated in the proceeding or indicated any intention to defend claim – where applicant has sufficiently pleaded claim – application granted
    Judge: RANGIAH J
  • 8 May 2025: Gillham v Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 458
    INDUSTRIAL LAW – interlocutory application seeking summary dismissal of proceedings or strike out of statement of claim – whether characterisation of provisions of Victorian statute as a “workplace law” under s 11 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) suitable for determination on interlocutory application – interlocutory application dismissed
    Judge: MORTIMER CJ
  • 6 May 2025: Wollermann v Fortrend Securities Pty Ltd (No 2) [2025] FCA 443
    INDUSTRIAL LAW – final orders – pecuniary penalties – contraventions of ss 323 and 536 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) – scope of serious contravention under s 557A of the FW Act – consideration of principles relating to imposition of pecuniary penalties – penalties imposed
    Judge: O’CALLAGHAN J

Form & Rules


The key forms and rules for commencing proceedings are:

  • Commencing an originating application alleging dismissal in contravention of a general protection proceeding:
Forms:
  • Form 79 - Originating application under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) alleging dismissal in contravention of a general protection
Rules:
  • Commencing application for a writ of mandamus, prohibition or injunction under section 39B of the Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) must file:
Forms:
  • Form 69 – Originating application for relief under Section 39B Judiciary Act
Rules:

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National Coordinating Judges

  • Rangiah J
  • Raper J

National Coordinating Registrar

  • Amelia Edwards

NPA Judges

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