Disability support worker’s unfair dismissal claim rejected after failing to attend mandatory training


Melbourne. Mr Fraser claimed he was unfairly dismissed after missing training. The Commission found dismissal was reasonable because he failed to follow lawful and reasonable directions.

Where: Melbourne
Case name: Glen Fraser v C.E Caddy & G.J Caddy & P.J Pearce & S.R Pearce [2025] FWC 2170
Date of decision: 25 July 2025
Link to full case: Click here to view decision


Who: Glen Fraser, disability support worker at a supported accommodation service
What: Dismissed after failing to attend mandatory training, despite being directed and reminded several times
Outcome: FWC ruled dismissal was not unfair and dismissed the application


Legal Principle/s:
• Failure to comply with lawful and reasonable directions can justify dismissal.
• Dismissal will not be unfair where clear instructions are ignored without valid excuse.


Commentary:
This case highlights that ignoring directions, especially where training is essential to the role, can lead to a valid dismissal even if the employee believes the decision is unfair.



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