Ms Jean Buckley v National Australia Bank
Not yet cited by other cases
Applicant: Ms Jean Buckley
Respondent: National Australia Bank
Ratio
An application to deal with a dismissal dispute under s.365 of the Fair Work Act must be made within 21 days after the dismissal takes effect. The applicant lodged her application 156 days out of time and failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting an extension under s.366(2), as the reasons for delay (reliance on FSU advice and lack of knowledge of time limits) are not acceptable explanations, and the prejudice to the respondent from the lengthy delay outweighs the modest action taken to dispute the dismissal.
Outcome
Against applicant
dismissed
Authority signal
Not yet cited by other cases
Signal-weighted score: 0.0
Derived from how later decisions have treated this case. Dark green = leading authority,
green = positively treated, grey = neutral or sparse data,
amber = caution, red = treated negatively.
Key facts · 25
- The applicant commenced employment with the respondent on 22 August 2022 as a Release Train Engineer.
- The applicant made a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Request on 7 August 2023 regarding removal from a work program.
- The applicant made an Employee Relations Complaint on 19 January 2024 about her immediate manager's behaviour.
- The applicant contends she was subjected to unreasonable behaviour and workplace bullying from her manager and 2up manager following the January ER Complaint.
- The applicant took personal leave from 5 February 2024 to 14 April 2024.
- After return to work, the applicant was placed on a performance development plan, which was withdrawn in mid-June 2024 following FSU involvement.
- The applicant took personal leave from 21 June 2024 to 17 February 2025.
- The respondent commenced an organisational restructure on 7 August 2024 affecting approximately 130 employees and contractors.
- The restructure proposed reducing 3 Release Train Engineer positions to 1 remaining employee position.
- The applicant was issued a consultation information pack on 17 September 2024 and raised concerns about the restructure on 25 September 2024.
- The applicant did not submit an expression of interest for a position in the new structure on 30 September 2024, while another Release Train Engineer did and was appointed.
- The applicant was notified on 14 October 2024 that her position was to be made redundant, with notice of termination effective 20 November 2024.
- The applicant submitted a medical certificate on 15 October 2024 stating unfitness until 1 December 2024.
- The respondent closed the January ER Complaint on 8 November 2024 on the basis that the applicant had failed to provide requested information.
- An Employee Relations Complaint was raised on 13 December 2024 responding to correspondence from the applicant on 2 December 2024 alleging ongoing harassment.
- The applicant returned to work on 18 February 2025 and was placed on an 'on deployment' period from 18 February 2025 to 26 March 2025.
- The respondent notified the applicant on 17 February 2025 that if she did not secure another role, her employment would end on 9 April 2025.
- The applicant met with the respondent on 27 February 2025 to discuss the December ER Complaint.
- The applicant submitted additional information on 31 March 2025 regarding her grievance, noting that the respondent had engaged 3 external Release Train Engineers.
- The applicant provided a further 166 pages of submissions and attachments on 9 April 2025, her last day of employment, relating to claims of discrimination and workplace bullying.
- The applicant's employment terminated effective 9 April 2025.
- The applicant learned of the 21-day time limit on 4 September 2025 when she telephoned the Commission.
- The applicant became aware the FSU had given her incorrect advice on 15-18 September 2025.
- The respondent determined the December ER Complaint on 12 September 2025, concluding it could not establish workplace bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
- The applicant lodged her application on 3 October 2025, 156 days after dismissal.
Factors
For
- The applicant took some action to dispute the dismissal through additional information submitted on 31 March 2025, raising concerns about the engagement of 3 external Release Train Engineers during her on-deployment period.
- The applicant raised issues right up until her last day of employment on 9 April 2025, putting the respondent on notice that the dismissal was contested.
Against
- The application was lodged 156 days outside the 21-day period.
- The applicant did not demonstrate an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the delay.
- The applicant's reliance on FSU advice does not constitute representative error warranting an extension, as the applicant was aware from 4 September 2025 of the 21-day time limit and the possibility of applying for an extension.
- The applicant's inconsistent evidence about whether she was seeking advice regarding a general protections dismissal dispute or non-dismissal dispute.
- The applicant failed to distinguish between pursuing a dispute under the NAB Enterprise Agreement (which may require exhaustion of internal steps) and pursuing a general protections dismissal claim.
- Lack of knowledge of unfair dismissal/general protections laws and applicable time limits is not an acceptable explanation for delay.
- The 156-day delay gives rise to a general presumption of prejudice to the respondent.
- The applicant's 2up manager, a key witness, is no longer employed by the respondent and is employed by a competitor.
- It is not uncommon for employees to pursue various applications following dismissal, and delay in filing a dismissal-related application while pursuing other remedies is not an acceptable explanation.
Legislation referenced
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.365
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.366
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.185(3)
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) Pt 3-1
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) s.739
- NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024 cl.73
Concept tags · 14
[P]Unfair dismissal (federal)
[P]General protections (FW Act Pt 3-1)
[P]Extension of time to file
[P]Time limits for filing
[S]Genuine redundancy
[S]Redundancy consultation obligations
[S]Adverse action
[S]Workplace right (definition + exercise)
[S]Victimisation
[S]Discrimination — protected attributes
[S]Stop-bullying orders (FWC)
[M]Procedural fairness at dismissal stage
[M]Return to work after leave/injury
[M]Psychiatric/psychological injury
Principles · 19
articulates para 43
An application made under s.365 of the Fair Work Act must be made within 21 days after the dismissal takes effect, or within such further period as the Commission may allow under s.366(2).
articulates para 44
The date of dismissal is the date the dismissal took effect, not the date an ongoing grievance is resolved; that an applicant has an ongoing grievance relating to workplace bullying, discrimination, and harassment does not change the date the dismissal took effect.
articulates para 47
Exceptional circumstances are circumstances that are out of the ordinary course, unusual, special or uncommon but the circumstances themselves do not need to be unique nor unprecedented, nor even very rare; exceptional circumstances may include a single exceptional matter, a combination of exceptional factors, or a combination of ordinary factors which, although individually of no particular significance, when taken together can be considered exceptional.
Test: exceptional circumstances
articulates para 51
The test of 'exceptional circumstances' establishes a 'high hurdle' for an applicant seeking an extension of time to file an application for the Commission to deal with a dismissal dispute.
Test: high hurdle for exceptional circumstances
articulates para 53
The absence of any explanation for any part of the delay will usually weigh against an applicant in the assessment of whether there are exceptional circumstances, and a credible explanation for the entirety of the delay will usually weigh in an applicant's favour, however all of the circumstances must be considered.
Test: reason for delay assessment
articulates para 61
A lack of knowledge (or ignorance) of the law and the applicable time limits for the filing of applications is not an acceptable explanation weighing in favour of a conclusion that there are exceptional circumstances.
articulates para 62
It is well established that a delay in filing a dismissal-related application whilst pursuing another type of application is not an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the delay.
articulates para 64
Where an applicant takes action to contest a dismissal, it will show that the decision to terminate the employment is actively contested and may, depending on the circumstances, favour the granting of an extension of time.
articulates para 65
A distinction is to be made between the case of a person who has put the employer on notice that the dismissal is contested and a case where the employer was allowed to believe that the matter was finally concluded.
articulates para 69
A lengthy delay gives rise to a general presumption of prejudice; in the context of a general protections application, a 156-day delay can only be described as lengthy.
cites para 45
The unfair dismissal system and applicable time limits are not conditioned by employee preferences as to what action they may pursue.
cites para 47
Exceptional circumstances are circumstances that are out of the ordinary course, unusual, special or uncommon but do not need to be unique, unprecedented, or very rare.
cites para 51
The test of 'exceptional circumstances' establishes a 'high hurdle' for an applicant seeking an extension of time.
cites para 53
The absence of any explanation for any part of the delay will usually weigh against an applicant, and a credible explanation for the entirety of the delay will usually weigh in an applicant's favour.
cites para 55
Depending on the particular circumstances, representative error may be a sufficient reason to extend the time within which an application for relief is to be lodged; a distinction should be drawn between delay properly apportioned to an applicant's representative where the applicant is blameless and delay occasioned by the conduct of the applicant; the conduct of the applicant is a central consideration in deciding whether representative error provides an acceptable explanation for delay; error by an applicant's representatives is only one of a number of factors to be considered in deciding whether or not an out of time application should be considered.
cites para 55
Representative error may be a sufficient reason to extend the time within which an application for relief is to be lodged, but the conduct of the applicant is a central consideration.
cites para 55
The giving of wrong advice by a legal or industrial representative or advisor is a species of representative error.
cites para 65
A distinction is to be made between the case of a person who has put the employer on notice that the dismissal is contested and a case where the employer was allowed to believe that the matter was finally concluded.
cites para 69
A lengthy delay gives rise to a general presumption of prejudice.
Cases cited in this decision · 15
Cited
[2025] FWC 878
— Lucy Calvert v Westpac Banking Corporation
"…at deal with applications for the Commission to deal with disputes under s.739, where the dispute was commenced prior to a dismissal does not assist her. Nor does the Applicant’s reliance on the decision in Lucy...…"
Cited
[2011] FWAFB 975
(not in corpus)
"…nt. T. Wong of counsel with M. Bowe, for the National Australia Bank. Hearing details: 2025. Sydney: 17 December. Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR797520> 1 Transcript at PN1151-PN1152....…"
Cited
[2014] FWCFB 2288
— Lombardo, Luciano v Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
"…Government Printer <PR797520> 1 Transcript at PN1151-PN1152. 2 Nulty v Blue Star Group Pty Ltd [2011] FWAFB 975 at [13]. 3 Ibid. 4 Lombardo v Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Education,...…"
Cited
[2018] FWCFB 901
— Periklis Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd t/as...
"…ty Ltd [2011] FWAFB 975 at [13]. 3 Ibid. 4 Lombardo v Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [2014] FWCFB 2288 at [21]. 5 Stogiannidis v Victorian...…"
Cited
[2008] AIRCFB 452
— Appeal by Cruz, Carlito
"…Australia as represented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [2014] FWCFB 2288 at [21]. 5 Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] FWCFB 901 at [39]. 6 Carlito...…"
Cited
(1997) 74 IR 413
(not in corpus)
"…he Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [2014] FWCFB 2288 at [21]. 5 Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] FWCFB 901 at [39]. 6 Carlito Cruz v Australia Post...…"
Cited
(1988) 105 IR 1
(not in corpus)
"…cation, Employment and Workplace Relations [2014] FWCFB 2288 at [21]. 5 Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] FWCFB 901 at [39]. 6 Carlito Cruz v Australia Post Corporation [2008] AIRCFB...…"
Cited
[2021] FWCFB 2559
— Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd T/A Coles Supermarkets v Tapier, Alexander
"…01 at [39]. 6 Carlito Cruz v Australia Post Corporation [2008] AIRCFB 452 at [35]. 7 (1997) 74 IR 413. 8 (1988) 105 IR 1. 9 Davidson at p.6. 10 Transcript at PN1040-PN1047. 11 Nulty at [14]. 12 Coles Supermarkets...…"
Cited
[2022] FWC 1707
(not in corpus)
"…IRCFB 452 at [35]. 7 (1997) 74 IR 413. 8 (1988) 105 IR 1. 9 Davidson at p.6. 10 Transcript at PN1040-PN1047. 11 Nulty at [14]. 12 Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Alexander Tapier [2021] FWCFB 2559 at [25];...…"
Cited
[1984] FCA 176
(not in corpus)
"…FWCFB 2559 at [25]; Matthew Dakin v Farmgate MSU Pty Ltd [2022] FWC 1707 at [4]; Sxa Fang Chong v SSM International Pty Ltd [2022] FWC2591 at [18]. 13 Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298. 14 Hunter...…"
Cited
[1996] HCA 25
— Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor
"…Fang Chong v SSM International Pty Ltd [2022] FWC2591 at [18]. 13 Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298. 14 Hunter Valley Developments Pty Ltd v Cohen [1984] FCA 176. 15 Ibid at [19]. 16 Brisbane South...…"
Cited
(1996) 186 CLR 541
(not in corpus)
"…M International Pty Ltd [2022] FWC2591 at [18]. 13 Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298. 14 Hunter Valley Developments Pty Ltd v Cohen [1984] FCA 176. 15 Ibid at [19]. 16 Brisbane South Regional Health...…"
Cited
(1995) 67 IR 298
(not in corpus)
"…ns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298. 14 Hunter Valley Developments Pty Ltd v Cohen [1984] FCA 176. 15 Ibid at [19]. 16 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 at 556;...…"
Cited
[2023] FWCFB 38
— Tru Blu Beverages Pty Limited Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2015
"…nts Pty Ltd v Cohen [1984] FCA 176. 15 Ibid at [19]. 16 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 at 556; Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298 at 299-300; GHD...…"
Cited
[2025] FWCFB 122
— Ms Shiralee Dollar v RG Group Holdings Pty Ltd
"…h Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 at 556; Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298 at 299-300; GHD Pty Ltd T/A GHD v Kevin Alan Black [2023] FWCFB 38 at [51]; Shiralee...…"
Archived text (5206 words)
1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.365 - Application to deal with contraventions involving dismissal Ms Jean Buckley v National Australia Bank (C2025/9955) COMMISSIONER P RYAN SYDNEY, 10 MARCH 2026 Application to deal with contraventions involving dismissal – application out of time – circumstances not exceptional – application dismissed Introduction [1] This decision concerns an application by Ms Jean Buckley (Applicant) for the Fair Work Commission (Commission) to deal with a dismissal dispute pursuant to s.365 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) (Application). [2] In the Application, the Applicant states that her employment with the National Australia Bank (Respondent) was terminated with effect from 9 April 2025. The Application was lodged on 3 October 2025. [3] Section 366 (1) of the FW Act states that an application for the Commission to deal with a dismissal dispute must be made “within 21 days after the dismissal took effect”, or within such further period as the Commission allows pursuant to s.366(2). The period of 21 days ended at midnight on 30 April 2025. Therefore, the Application was lodged 156 days outside the 21- day period. The Applicant asks the Commission to allow a further period for the Application to be made. [4] The matter was heard on 17 December 2025. I exercised my discretion to grant permission to the Respondent to be represented by a lawyer, as I was satisfied as to the matters set out in s.596(2)(a) of the FW Act. The Applicant was self-represented. The Respondent was represented by Ms T Wong of counsel, instructed by Ms M Bowe. [5] For the reasons that follow, the Application is dismissed as there is no basis to allow an extension of time under s.366(2). Relevant Background [6] On 22 August 2022, the Applicant commenced employment with the Respondent as a Release Train Engineer within the Data Platforms team. [2026] FWC 793 DECISION [2026] FWC 793 2 [7] On 7 August 2023, the Applicant submitted a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Request (INC288108) regarding her removal from a work program. [8] On 19 January 2024, the Applicant raised a case with the Respondent’s Employee Relations team using the Employee Relations Request Form (HRC1297090), complaining about her immediate manager’s behaviour towards her (January ER Complaint). Although the January ER Complaint related to her immediate manager’s behaviour, the Applicant contends it was a dispute arising under clause 73 of the NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024. After a preliminary meeting to discuss the January ER Complaint, the Applicant was asked to provide further particulars regarding the subject matter of the complaint. [9] The Applicant contends that following the making of the January ER Complaint she was subjected to unreasonable behaviour by her immediate manager and her 2up manager, including behaviour that constituted workplace bullying. From 5 February 2024 to 14 April 2024, the Applicant took a period of personal leave. [10] Upon her return to work, the Applicant contends the unreasonable behaviour towards her continued through the introduction of a performance development plan and the unreasonable allocation of work to her. At this stage, and despite repeated requests, the Applicant had not provided the further particulars in relation to the January ER Complaint. [11] Upon receiving a further request, the Applicant advised that she was focusing on responding to the performance development plan. Around this time, the Applicant sought assistance from the Finance Sector Union of Australia (FSU), which resulted in the withdrawal of the performance development plan in mid-June 2024. [12] Despite the withdrawal of the performance development plan, the Applicant states that the events between April 2024 and June 2024 impacted her health and she took personal leave from 21 June 2024 to 17 February 2025. [13] On 7 August 2024, the Respondent commenced an organisational restructure of the Data Platforms, Transformation and Enablement, and Reference Data Management Teams. There was no dispute as to the rationale for the restructure, the Applicant stating “we all knew the restructure was coming … it was a three-year piece in the making”.1 [14] On 17 September 2024, the Respondent issued a consultation information pack to the affected employees, including the Applicant. The restructure would ultimately impact, to varying degrees, approximately 130 employees and contractors. In relation to the Applicant’s role, the Respondent engaged 3 Release Train Engineers – 2 employees, one of which was the Applicant, and a contractor. Under the restructure, the Respondent was proposing to reduce the 3 positions into 1 remaining employee position. [15] On 25 September 2024, the Applicant sent correspondence raising the following concerns with the restructure: • That the FSU has not been sufficiently consulted; • That the restructure does not align with the Respondent’s broader strategy; [2026] FWC 793 3 • That the restructure prioritises contractors over employees; • That there are unnecessarily short time-frames; and • That the restructure lacks clarity in roles titles and areas of responsibility. [16] On 26 September 2024, the Respondent issued the new organisational structure to the affected employees. [17] On 30 September 2024, the Applicant was invited to submit an expression of interest for a position in the new structure but did not do so. However, the other person employed as a Release Train Engineer did submit an expression of interest and was ultimately appointed to the position of Release Train Engineer in the new structure. [18] On 14 October 2024, the Applicant was given notice that her position was to be made redundant. That notice advised the Applicant that she was “on deployment” for the period of 23 October 2024 to 6 November 2024, and that if an alternative position was not obtained by that date, her employment would be terminated effective from 20 November 2024. [19] At the time of issuing that notice, the Applicant was due to return from personal leave on 14 October 2024. On 15 October 2024, the Applicant submitted a further medical certificate stating that she was unfit until 1 December 2024. The Respondent subsequently issued amended notices for the “on deployment” period to align that period with the Applicant’s expected return to work. [20] On 8 November 2024, the Respondent closed the January ER Complaint on the basis that the Applicant had failed to provide the information requested. [21] On 13 December 2024, an Employee Relations Complaint was raised on behalf of the Applicant in response to her sending correspondence to the Respondent on 2 December 2024 alleging ongoing harassment (December ER Complaint). In summary, this complaint related to the Respondent issuing the notifications of the Applicant’s redundancy and “on deployment” periods throughout October/November. The complaint also stated that the Respondent should not contact the Applicant until “HRC1297090 is fully resolved.” [22] On 5 February 2025, the Respondent was advised that the Applicant will be fit to return to work on 18 February 2025. [23] On 17 February 2025, the Respondent issued correspondence to the Applicant advising that the “on deployment” period would apply from 18 February 2025 to 26 March 2025. That correspondence also stated that if the Applicant did not secure another role with the Respondent, her employment with the Respondent will end on 9 April 2025. [24] On 18 February 2025, the Applicant returned to work. [2026] FWC 793 4 [25] On 27 February 2024, the Applicant met with the Respondent to discuss the December ER Complaint. That meeting concluded on the basis that the Applicant was to send further information relating to the December ER Complaint. [26] On 24 March 2025, the Respondent sent correspondence to the Applicant following up on its request for further information relating to the December ER Complaint. [27] On 25 March 2025, the Applicant advised that the additional information will be provided by 31 March 2025. [28] On 31 March 2025, the Applicant submitted additional information. However, this information was largely reagitating the matters set out in the January ER Complaint and the Applicant’s correspondence of 25 September 2024. The Applicant also raised the issue that upon her return to work, she discovered that the Respondent has engaged 3 external Release Train Engineers. The Applicant also requested the opportunity to provide additional information in support of her grievance. [29] Upon receiving that correspondence from the Applicant, and noting the Applicant’s request to provide additional information, the Respondent invited the Applicant to do so. [30] On 7 April 2025, the Applicant sent correspondence to the Respondent noting that her last day of employment is 9 April 2025 and requesting that her system access is not revoked prior to 11:59pm on 9 April 2025. [31] On 9 April 2025, the Applicant provided further information to the Respondent totalling 166 pages of submissions and attachments which largely related to claims of discrimination and workplace bullying. Later that day, the Applicant met with the Respondent and spoke to those claims. During this meeting, the Applicant was reminded that 9 April 2025 was her last day of employment with the Respondent and that it will determine whether any further investigation of the December ER Complaint is required and she will be advised. [32] On 8 May 2025, the Applicant sent correspondence to the Respondent acknowledging that she had “finished up at NAB a few weeks ago” and seeking an update as to the progress of any investigation into the December ER Complaint. [33] On 25 August 2025, the FSU sent correspondence to the Respondent’s Head of Employee Relations seeking an update of the status of the December ER Complaint. The Respondent confirmed a response will be provided by 12 September 2025. [34] On 4 September 2025, the Applicant became aware of the 21-day time limit to lodge dismissal related applications when she telephoned the Commission and viewed the Commission’s website. Later that day, the Applicant telephoned the FSU for assistance and advised them that she intended to file a Form F8 regardless of whether she was precluded (because of the time limit). The Applicant also informed the FSU that the only matter that prevented her making an application was that she continued to be in good faith discussions with the Respondent and this was the only reason that she could provide to explain the significant delay. The Applicant also stated that she was not aware if a delay caused by an industrial relations advocate or consultant would constitute “exceptional circumstances”. [2026] FWC 793 5 [35] On 12 September 2025, the Respondent sent correspondence to the Applicant setting out its determination of the December ER Complaint. The Respondent concluded that they have not been able to establish any workplace bullying, harassment, or discrimination by the Applicant’s former leaders. The Applicant stated that upon receiving this correspondence she formed the view that she must follow the process in “Step 4” of clause 73 of the NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024 and refer the matter to the Commission. [36] On 13 September 2025, the Applicant sent correspondence to the FSU which relevantly stated: Please contact me urgently upon your return to work to discuss my case with NAB. I need urgent advice regarding: - my ability to submit a General Protections claim to the Fair Work Commission for adverse actions taken against me; - what, if any, obligations I have to continue discussions with NAB before involving the Fair Work Commission (section 73 of the NAB EA 2024 seems to suggest that if we proceed to conciliation, this should be referred via the FWC); - what legal recourse is still available to me should the FWC reject/elect-not-to- proceed with an application made to them by me regarding my General Protections claim; - how the FSU intends to respond to the below email from Martha Murray regarding my case, and how I have been treated throughout this process Many thanks for your urgent attention to these matters. [37] The Applicant had a number of telephone discussions with the FSU on 15, 16, 17 and 18 September 2025. [38] On 19 September 2025, the Applicant sent correspondence to the FSU which relevantly stated: Hi team, I sent the below email to Stephen on Saturday, and he called me late yesterday afternoon to discuss the internal advice he had received in response to the four points I requested urgent advice for, but it was difficult to capture the exact details and I haven't been sent anything in writing. Understanding that today is not a working day for Stephen, so I'm not seeking a response from him and in fact, don't want him (or anyone) doing work on a non-working day, I'm hoping someone else in the team can help me with this request. Could someone please email me the FSU's responses to my first two points of enquiry? From my conversation with Stephen, I understand that he received pretty clear advice regarding the first two items, but needed to seek further information on the remaining two - and that he was emailing Lien about this. I believe it was also Lien who sent him the internal email with [2026] FWC 793 6 what the FSU could and couldn't yet confirm, and I requested that he ask Lien to contact me directly. While I'm waiting for Lien to contact me, can I please have the Union's responses on the first two points, ASAP, please? The position I'm in is causing me a lot of distress and uncertainty is only making it worse so I would greatly appreciate it if someone could please email me whatever information the FSU is definitive on, so I at least have that while I await further advice on the remaining items. Thanks in advance for your prompt attention to this [Emphasis in original] [39] Later that day, the Applicant had a telephone discussion with the FSU. Following that telephone call, the FSU sent the correspondence to the Applicant stating: Thank you again for your time on the phone today. In response to your questions below as you're no longer an employee of NAB you are not eligible to lodge a general protections dispute (not involving dismissal) application in the Commission. In relation to a general protections claim involving dismissal, the time limit to lodge an application was 21 days from your last day of employment at NAB, which I understand was 9 April 2025. This type of general protections claim would have involved you asserting that your redundancy was adverse action taken by NAB for a prohibited reason, such as you exercising your workplace right to make a complaint about your employment, for example. In relation to a dispute under the NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024, similarly, as you're no longer an employee of NAB you're not covered by the Agreement anymore, which means you aren't eligible to lodge a dispute under the dispute resolution procedure. As promised, I will talk with Stephen on Monday about next steps which includes contacting NAB to arrange a meeting to discuss your matters in the hope that we can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If you could please list those items for discussion, that would be helpful. [40] On 22 September 2025, the Applicant had another discussion with the FSU in which the Applicant stated that she was upset with the FSU because the advice provided by the FSU did not state that an application for an extension of time could be made. The Applicant stated that she repeatedly requested the FSU to assist her, but those requests were refused because the FSU considered any dismissal-based application was unlikely to succeed because of the delay. [41] On 3 October 2025, the Applicant lodged the Application. Date of Dismissal [42] Although the Applicant stated in the Application that her dismissal took effect from 9 April 2025, during the proceedings, the Applicant submitted that the date of dismissal should be 12 September 2025 – the day the Respondent provided its response to the December ER Complaint. [2026] FWC 793 7 [43] I do not accept that submission. An application made under to s.365 of the FW Act must be made within 21 days after the dismissal took effect, or within such further period as the Commission may allow. [44] Having regard to the evidence before me, it is abundantly clear that the Applicant’s dismissal took effect on 9 April 2025 and that the Applicant was aware that it took effect on that day. That the Applicant had an ongoing grievance relating to workplace bullying, discrimination, and harassment does not change the date the dismissal took effect. [45] The Applicant’s reliance on authorities that deal with applications for the Commission to deal with disputes under s.739, where the dispute was commenced prior to a dismissal does not assist her. Nor does the Applicant’s reliance on the decision in Lucy Calvert v Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 878 where it was held that the unfair dismissal system and applicable time limits are not conditioned by employee preferences as to what action they may pursue. [46] For these reasons I find the date the Applicant’s dismissal took effect was 9 April 2025. Exceptional Circumstances [47] The FW Act allows the Commission to extend the period within which an application for the Commission to deal with a dismissal dispute must be made only if it is satisfied that there are “exceptional circumstances”. Briefly, exceptional circumstances are circumstances that are out of the ordinary course, unusual, special or uncommon but the circumstances themselves do not need to be unique nor unprecedented, nor even very rare.2 Exceptional circumstances may include a single exceptional matter, a combination of exceptional factors, or a combination of ordinary factors which, although individually of no particular significance, when taken together can be considered exceptional.3 [48] The requirement that there be exceptional circumstances before time can be extended under s.366(2) contrasts with the broad discretion conferred on the Commission under s.185(3) to extend the 14 day period within which an enterprise agreement must be lodged, which is exercisable simply if in all the circumstances the Commission considers that it is “fair” to do so. [49] Section 366(2) requires that, in considering whether to grant an extension of time, the Commission must take into account the following: (a) the reason for the delay; (b) any action taken by the person to dispute the dismissal; (c) prejudice to the employer (including prejudice caused by the delay); (d) the merits of the application; and (e) fairness as between the person and other persons in a similar position. [2026] FWC 793 8 [50] The requirement that these matters be taken into account means that each matter must be considered and given appropriate weight in assessing whether there are exceptional circumstances. [51] The test of ‘exceptional circumstances’ establishes a ‘high hurdle’ for an applicant seeking an extension of time to file an application for the Commission to deal with a dismissal dispute.4 [52] I now consider these matters in the context of the GP Application. Reason for the delay [53] The FW Act does not specify what reason for delay might tell in favour of granting an extension, however decisions of the Commission have referred to an acceptable or reasonable explanation. The absence of any explanation for any part of the delay will usually weigh against an applicant in the assessment of whether there are exceptional circumstances, and a credible explanation for the entirety of the delay will usually weigh in an applicant’s favour, however all of the circumstances must be considered.5 [54] The primary reason for the delay advanced by the Applicant is set out in her written submission as follows: 43. The primary delay consists of two interrelated parts: a. Part 1: That I was told by the Finance Sector Union, which was assisting me with the matter, and on whose advice I relied, that I could not apply to the Commission for relief under the General Protections provisions of the Fair Work Act until I had exhausted the process set out under clause 73 of the NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024 that deals with the process for such issues and b. Part 2: That I did not understand that process to have been exhausted until I received a response to my list of complaints from NAB on 12 Sep 2025, in the form of a “review” that failed to adequately addressed my complaints and which was delayed for several months from when I submitted, due to requests from NAB for further time in which to respond. [55] The giving of wrong advice by a legal or industrial representative or advisor is a species of representative error.6 The relevant principles of representative error were established in Clark v Ringwood Private Hospital7 (Clark) and were summarised by the Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in Davidson v Aboriginal & Islander Child Care Agency8 as follows: ‘In Clark the Commission decided that the following general propositions should be taken into account in determining whether or not representative error constitutes an acceptable explanation for delay: (i) Depending on the particular circumstances, representative error may be a sufficient reason to extend the time within which an application for relief is to be lodged. [2026] FWC 793 9 (ii) A distinction should be drawn between delay properly apportioned to an applicant’s representative where the applicant is blameless and delay occasioned by the conduct of the applicant. (iii) The conduct of the applicant is a central consideration in deciding whether representative error provides an acceptable explanation for the delay in filing the application. For example it would generally not be unfair to refuse to accept an application which is some months out of time in circumstances where the applicant left the matter in the hands of their representative and took no steps to inquire as to the status of their claim. A different situation exists where an applicant gives clear instructions to their representative to lodge an application and the representative fails to carry out those instructions, through no fault of the applicant and despite the applicant’s efforts to ensure that the claim is lodged. (iv) Error by an applicant’s representatives is only one of a number of factors to be considered in deciding whether or not an out of time application should be considered.’9 [56] Having regard to these principles and the evidence before me, I am not satisfied that there is any basis to find that representative error is an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the following reasons. [57] First, the Applicant has maintained that the December ER Complaint is a dispute proceeding under s.73 of the NAB Enterprise Agreement 2024. If that is the case, then the advice of the FSU is correct in that the matter can only be referred to the Commission if it remains unresolved after Step 4. [58] Second, to the extent that the Applicant was seeking advice about a general protections application, the Applicant’s evidence has been inconsistent as to whether she was seeking advice in relation to a general protections dismissal dispute or a general protections non- dismissal dispute. As late as her closing oral submissions in the proceedings, the Applicant claimed she was seeking advice about a general protections non-dismissal dispute.10 [59] Third, the Applicant’s main grievance with the FSU’s advice is that the FSU did not inform her that she could apply for an extension of time in their correspondence dated 19 September 2025. I do not accept that omission, even if it could be described as an error, can form the basis for the delay. At that stage, the Applicant was well beyond the 21-day time limit and based on her own evidence was aware of the 21-day limit and that she could apply for an extension of time – demonstrated by her questioning whether her circumstances would constitute ‘exceptional circumstances’ on 4 September 2025. [60] Accordingly, I do not accept that representative error is an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the delay. [61] To the extent that the Applicant was not aware of unfair dismissal/general protections laws, it is well established that a lack of knowledge (or ignorance) of the law and the applicable time limits for the filing of applications is not an acceptable explanation weighing in favour of a conclusion that there are exceptional circumstances.11 [62] Finally, it is not uncommon for an employee to pursue various applications following a dismissal. For example, an employee might pursue a dismissal related application, as well as seeking recovery of unpaid wages and entitlements. It is well established that a delay in filing [2026] FWC 793 10 a dismissal-related application whilst pursuing another type of application is not an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the delay.12 [63] In conclusion, I do not consider the Applicant has an acceptable or reasonable explanation for the delay. The absence of an acceptable explanation weighs against a conclusion that there are exceptional circumstances. Action taken to dispute the dismissal [64] Where an applicant takes action to contest a dismissal, it will show that the decision to terminate the employment is actively contested and may, depending on the circumstances, favour the granting of an extension of time.13 [65] In Hunter Valley Developments Pty Ltd v Cohen14, Wilcox J stated that a distinction is to be made between the case of a person who has put the employer (or respondent) on notice that the dismissal is contested and a case where the employer was allowed to believe that the matter was finally concluded.15 [66] Having regard to the material before me, I am satisfied that the Applicant took some action to dispute the dismissal through the additional information submitted on 31 March 2025. In this correspondence, the Applicant raised the issue of the Respondent engaging 3 external Release Train Engineers so soon after the restructure was implemented and while she was “on deployment”. In circumstances where the Applicant was raising these issues right up until the last day of her employment, the Respondent can hardly say it was allowed to believe the matter was finally concluded. [67] I consider this factor weighs in favour of a conclusion that there are exceptional circumstances. Prejudice to the employer [68] The Respondent submitted that if an extension of time is granted, it would suffer prejudice arising from the costs associated with defending the proceedings, the irrelevant and historical nature of the allegations, and that Applicant’s 2up manager is no longer employed by the Respondent and is employed by a competitor. [69] The Respondent has not demonstrated how the costs associated with defending the Application will be more significant merely because it was lodged out of time. Accordingly, I do not accept the Respondent’s submission in relation to the issue of costs. I also do not accept the Respondent’s submission that it will suffer any additional prejudice by having to respond to the Applicant’s allegations. The Applicant contends she was dismissed because she made complaints in the workplace. The Applicant cites the engagement of 3 external appointments to the same position during her on deployment period to support her case. If an extension of time is granted and the matter proceeds to the Court, it is the Respondent that bears the onus of establishing that the reason or reasons for dismissal did not include a contravention of Part 3-1 of the FW Act. Having said that, I accept that there will be some prejudice arising from the resignation of the Applicant’s 2up manager. Furthermore, it is well accepted that a lengthy [2026] FWC 793 11 delay gives rise to a general presumption of prejudice.16 In the context of a general protections application, a 156-day delay can only be described as lengthy. [70] Accordingly, I accept that some prejudice will accrue to the Respondent if an extension of time is granted. I consider that this factor weighs against a conclusion that there are exceptional circumstances. Merits of the application [71] The FW Act requires me to take into account the merits of the Application in considering whether to grant an extension of time. The competing contentions of the parties in relation to the merits of the Application are set out in the materials. [72] The Respondent submits that it went through a bona fide restructure, engaged in extensive consultation, and there can be no issue with selection as the Applicant did not express interest for the remaining position. Ordinarily, this would point towards the merits not being strong. [73] However, there is no dispute that the Respondent engaged 3 external Release Train Engineers soon after the restructure was implemented and while the Applicant was “on deployment”. The Respondent contends that the engagement of those persons does not undermine a decision made some months earlier. While there is no evidence as to the specifics of those engagements – such as the number of hours those persons are engaged each week, or the duration of any engagement – it is unclear why the Applicant was not offered the opportunity to redeploy to one of those positions during her “on deployment” period. [74] In these circumstances, it is not possible to make any firm or detailed assessment of the merits. I consider the merits to be a neutral consideration. Fairness as between the person and other persons in a similar position [75] Neither party brought to my attention any relevant matter concerning this consideration and I am unaware of any relevant matter. I therefore consider this to be a neutral consideration. Conclusion [76] The test of ‘exceptional circumstances’ establishes a ‘high hurdle’. Having regard to the matters I am required to take into account under s.366(2), and all of the matters raised by the Applicant, I am not satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances, either when the various circumstances are considered individually or together. [77] Because I am not satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances, there is no basis for me to allow an extension of time under s.366(2). [78] The Application is dismissed. An Order to that effect will be issued with this decision. [2026] FWC 793 12 COMMISSIONER Appearances: J. Buckley, the Applicant. T. Wong of counsel with M. Bowe, for the National Australia Bank. Hearing details: 2025. Sydney: 17 December. Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR797520> 1 Transcript at PN1151-PN1152. 2 Nulty v Blue Star Group Pty Ltd [2011] FWAFB 975 at [13]. 3 Ibid. 4 Lombardo v Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations [2014] FWCFB 2288 at [21]. 5 Stogiannidis v Victorian Frozen Foods Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] FWCFB 901 at [39]. 6 Carlito Cruz v Australia Post Corporation [2008] AIRCFB 452 at [35]. 7 (1997) 74 IR 413. 8 (1988) 105 IR 1. 9 Davidson at p.6. 10 Transcript at PN1040-PN1047. 11 Nulty at [14]. 12 Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd v Alexander Tapier [2021] FWCFB 2559 at [25]; Matthew Dakin v Farmgate MSU Pty Ltd [2022] FWC 1707 at [4]; Sxa Fang Chong v SSM International Pty Ltd [2022] FWC2591 at [18]. 13 Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298. 14 Hunter Valley Developments Pty Ltd v Cohen [1984] FCA 176. 15 Ibid at [19]. 16 Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor [1996] HCA 25; (1996) 186 CLR 541 at 556; Brodie-Hanns v MTV Publishing Ltd (1995) 67 IR 298 at 299-300; GHD Pty Ltd T/A GHD v Kevin Alan Black [2023] FWCFB 38 at [51]; Shiralee Dollar v RG Group Holdings Pty Ltd [2025] FWCFB 122 at [85]-[86].