Steele dismissal case in the Federal Court 5 July
3 July 2001
The Federal Court will hear the NTEU\'s case against the University of Wollongong alleging breach of its enterprise agreement on Thursday 5th July.
The Union alleges that by summarily dismissing Dr Ted Steele in February this year, the University breached its own enterprise agreement. The agreement sets out procedures which must be followed to test allegations of serious misconduct: procedures that were not followed in the case of Dr Steele. A summary of the legal issues is attached.
NTEU President Dr Carolyn Allport said that the case had important implications for all university staff.
`Firstly, we must defend the enterprise agreements that our members negotiate with management. If Vice-Chancellors choose to ignore their provisions, it throws into question the whole process,\' she said.
`Secondly, we must protect our members from summary dismissal. That is essential if we are to preserve intellectual freedom in universities. People will not speak out if they fear instant dismissal for voicing unpopular opinions.\'
A DOORSTOP MEDIA CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA, THE LAW COURTS BUILDING, QUEENS SQUARE, SYDNEY (CNR OF KING AND PHILLIP STREETS) AT 9.00AM ON THURSDAY 5TH JULY.
Speakers will be Celia Bevan, President, NTEU NSW (Tel. 0417 040 025) and Hon. Meredith Burgmann, President, NSW Legislative Council (02 9230 2301, 0418 240 763)
Wollongong University NTEU President Ron Perrin and South Coast Labor Council Secretary Arthur Rorris will also be available for comment from 8.00am on 5th July.
Contact: Ron Perrin 02 4221 4118 or 0417294822
Arthur Rorris, 02 4229 2888 or 0409223029