Ted Steele reinstated - University of Wollongong finally comes to its senses
5 April 2002
Vice-Chancellor Gerard Sutton today finally acceded to NTEU demands and reinstated Dr Ted Steele to his position of Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong.
Dr Steele was illegally dismissed in February last year after raising concerns about marking practices in the University. His reinstatement follows the University’s unsuccessful appeal against an earlier Federal Court finding that the dismissal was illegal and lacked due process.
Dr Steele’s reinstatement is unconditional and involves backpay of all entitlements.
Dr Carolyn Allport, President of the National Tertiary Education Union today welcomed the reinstatement of Dr Ted Steele to the University of Wollongong.
"The NTEU has said all along that Dr Steele was dismissed illegally. The union's position has been completely vindicated by the findings of four judges of the Federal Court and Dr Steele's subsequent reinstatement. The reinstatement comes after a 15 month legal and political campaign by the NTEU. It is a victory for all NTEU members because it clearly demonstrates that university staff cannot be dismissed without a proper and fair hearing. This requirement is the fundamental protection of intellectual freedom in Australia's universities and the successful campaign to reinstate Dr Steele has reaffirmed that protection for all Australian university staff and for the community that our universities serve."
Kim Draisma, Acting President of the University of Wollongong Branch of the NTEU also welcomed the decision. "Our members were completely committed to upholding the integrity of the Enterprise Agreement that we signed with the University. The successful conclusion to our campaign has done just that. It is a great pity that so much University money has been wasted by the Vice-Chancellor in a vain attempt to avoid his legal obligations."
To read a copy of the recent Federal Court appeal Decision go to http:www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/federal_ct/2002/360.html