legal in confidence - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Transcription

1
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Minute
File No: 11/770324
Date: 25 July 2011
TO.
Secretary
Ms Bird, Deputy Secretary
Mr Gosper, Deputy Secl"etary
Mr Grigson, Deputy Secretary
Dr Smith, Deputy Secretary
Mr Chris Moraitis, FAS CMD
Mr Tuan Dao, cro
Ms Ann Thorpe, CFO
M,' David Stuart, FAS SMD
Mr Hugh Borrowman, FAS SED
Mr John Philp AS, CNB
ce.
Richard Rowe, Senior Legal Adviser
Mr Bryce Hutchesson, AS EXB
Through.
Dominic Trindade, AS DLB
IS22(1 )(a)(ii)1
FM.
LITIGATION REPORT: 1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2011
Thi$ mLTlute summarises key developments in relation to litigation involving the
department dUring the period Janumy - June 2011. A detailed assessment of all
matters handled by the Consular, Passports and Protocol Law Section and the
General Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law Section is contained in the
Litigation Report, attached.
Deadlin~.:None.
Ne;w
Periodic reporting, for information.
and closed matters
.~l
:S22(1;(.<WElHii);r·
- -_ _ _ _ _ __
I_~~)
J.
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3. )(al(il}
. 822(1
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Significant developments
4.
.
The most significant developments during the reporting period were:
r~JiI;!
• Paris LES unfair dismissal claims: At the conciliation hearing in May, the
Ind1.1strial Tribunal of Paris declined to hear the matter at that time. In order
to allow further opportunities for the parties tQ."settle the matter, the Tribunal
~et down the next hearing for January 2012~
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LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
S2~((-'
•
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Consular, Passpol'ts and
Protocol Law Section
General Litigation, Corporate and
Commercial Law Section
H.\DQ::t.\Dmir~t(tcotlb (CH)U.,"ocl.!:'>l"ion r.epDrtllD-}un WJ1-l.mi"'J..SERVlCES~WORTlNG'irollliti!llliQIl ReplIT MiIJlI~,~MAL.,DOC~, ' 2~
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LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Deparbnent of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Minute
File No: 07/504945
Date:
, ,
.~
TO.
Secretary
Me Bird, Deputy Secretary
Mr Gospel', Deputy Secretary
Mr Grigson, Deputy Secretary
Dr Smith, Deputy Secretary
Mr Chris Moraitis, FAS CMD
Mr 'lUan Dao, CIO
Ms Ann Thorpe, CFO
Ms Jan Adams, FAS FTD
Mr Hugh Borrowman, FAS SED
Mr Justin Hayhurst, AS AFB
Mr Bryce Hutchesson, AS EXB
ce.
Through.
Dommie Trindade, AS DLB
22 February 2011
\c~2~2~(1~)(~al~(ii~)i____________________________~
FM.
LITIGATION REPORT: 1 JULy TO 31 DECEMBER 2010
This minute summarises key developments in relation to litigation involving the
department during the period July - December 2010. A detailed assessment of all
matters handled by the Consular, Passports and Protocol Law Section and the
General Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law Section is contained in the
Litigation Report, attached.
Deadline: None. Periodic reporting, for information.
----
New and closed matters
i~:zi 1-l~WiJ:""
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Significant de'Velopnwnts
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5. S22(1fa)(li)
o
Paris LES unfair dismissal claims: On 5 July, the Industrial Tribunal of Paris
dismissed the matter on procedural grounds (that the Embassy rather than the
Commonwealth had incon-ectiy been named as the defendant) but left it open
for tile plaintiffs to recommence proceedings. The plaintiffs have subsequently
recommenced Lhe proceedings against the correct defendant. The matter is set
dowll for a conciliation hemin on 12 M
:S~(1K~r~:
H~O~\Qmrll:' Rttcrds (CU)lS::-Jor E=*~ Mte!inSt A£...;ce(l..iljs;ItI~:.llt[t~tI, Ptf~r.'O - LEG,U.SE/WIC.Ei$ .1'1l0~'~\;~od'1.i~;ai;;, RfP~;i)Aj~~;l 60;6Page2of3
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LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Consular, Passports and
H.\Do.:slOroir.e Rtco:d$
(Chl\S"(~ 5:tCUlhe M~elin.tsAd\ite tU:JlIillcn Ro;mt, OertCliYl.- LEGAl. smvlcas ~ pncc6ri~li 1{oI31 iJib:i~'!: ~pO"''':'''I~~,i\~MX' ;
Page 3 01'3
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Litigation Report: 1 January - 30 June 2011
Type of Matter
CONSULAR
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF
PASSPORTS
OTHER
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMPLAINTS
SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY ORDERS
*
FOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS
*
1
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I
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;
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,I·
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MATTER
S22.<ii~
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\
DESCRJPTlON
STATUS
§@ll~
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- -
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uDI:lfr .J)l$mISSilJ ,-,milDs
lubitration Courtofllte Industrial Tribunal of
Paris
PoteotinI liability: Nil. Successful claim would
In December 200:6 the Puris Embassy initiated
a restrdcture and five positlons were. mnd~
redundant ('the; eOlployees were advised ()flhls.
by Ictt~r on 28 Mntcb20(1). Of the five:,
S47El1='1~
ledged unfair
;
wsmlssit claims secklng damages. -~6
claim clso includes e claim for payment of
On 20 May 20100 P(Jsfs iawYeJ:s recei*d the
plai11tlffs' pleadings. In rcsponse Pos1's
l~wyCIS prepared and filed
our submiS:ilOns. In
prevadne the submissions, poses lnwyers
advls:ed Utat the pJaintifU had incorrectly
made the summons in the name of the
Embassy and sent all documents to POSl~
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MAITER
be covered by Comcover
1822(1i(a)(jill
I
DESCRIPTION
contributions to the -com
sclleme.\
S42f1l:
STATUS
,
I
I
rather than instItuting proceedings against the
Commollwealth of Auslrnlia vja the
diplomatic cha..nnel.
At the SJuly2010hemng. tillS argument W'olS
a.ccepted by thejudg,e and fhc plaintiffs)
(though not the oost:s of
separo\e claims were rejected on this prccedural crr{)r.
~nsion issue) and. lhIough . ter Ellison
WithDut an ~se~sment oftheir merits.
(the Austro.lian law finn np'poin d tc manage The pJaintiffs recoonnenced their action by
Ihe
is i.Slm.ting ~o""
in
naming the correct defendant. At the
consulfDlioll with DFAT.
conciJi3tion hearing for the recommenced
proceedings on 12 May 2011, the court set
clown the hearing fur2! January20l2 to clIow
~!.t(Ii:
furtherocoortunitics for the settle:
claimsA
Comeover is eoverUlg ~ation
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Minute
File No: 07/504945
Date: 6 July 2010
TO.
Secretary
cc.
Gillian Bird, Deputy Secretary
Bnlce Gosper, Deputy Secretary
Alan Thomas, Deputy Secretary
Ric Wells, Deputy Secretary
Ann Thorpe, Chief Financial Officer
Through.
FM.
LITIGATION REPORT: 1 JANUARY TO 30 JUNE 2010
LEGAL IN CONFlDErr~E
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9.
In February 2007, three former Pads LEs~47.Fn}
lodged unfair dismissal claims in the Ind-ustrial'i;Trici'b""uC:n"'alT":o"'f"Pccar""iccs'(c-=-o:c:v:c:eccre:-d3"Lby-----'
Comcover). After a number of postponements at the plaintiffs request, the matter
was heard on 5 July 2010. At the hearing, we raised a number of procedural
arguments including that the wrong defendant (the Embassy rather than the
Commonwealth) was named. The Court agreed with this argument and dismissed the
matter on procedural grounds as null and void. It remains open for the plaintiffs to
recommence the proceedings (anytime before February/March 2012), by naming the
Commonwealth as the con-ect defendant.
S22(Hw:'_~
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822(1
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S22(1Jfa)~EiiT)-
_ _ _ _ __
~ons~~,
Passports and
H ~t!.'.Dmin~ [I,wm1. ~CH)\S:njDrE."{~(i~ M;';linl:l"'~\""e(Lilill:licl\ 3'.~Fnrr, Dd"~ite _ J.EOALSfR\'ICES. PRO~I;I!fl!.E$U~£3:?J.yj&~lion ~Qrl,;.lItirmeD()CX
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Litigation Report: 1 July 2010 to 31 December 2010
Type of Matter
Page No.
CONSULAR ........ ,... ,................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY ............................................................................................... ,.................. ,...................... ,..... ,........... ,................. 6
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: A·BASED ..................................................................................... ;.............................. ,.............................................. 8
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF ................................................................... ,................ ,......................................... 11
PASSPORTS .......................................................................... ,' .........,......................................................................... "............................................. 16
OTHER .............................................................................................................. ,....................... ,... ,., ..... ,............................................ ' ".................... 29
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMrSSION COMPLAINTS ..................................................................................................................... 41
SUBPOENAS AND DrSCOVERY ORDERS ................................... ,.............................. "., ..... ,............................................................................ 42
FOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS • ....... ,....................................................................................................................................... 47
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MATIER
ST T
DESCRlPTlON
In December 2006 the Embassy i'1itiateda
restructure and five positions were made
redundnnt (tbe emplOoyees were .mvi!>Cd of this
Un!:-tir bis:missat Clairus
by lctrer on 28 March 2007). Of the five,
AJbitratlon Court oftbc Industrin! Tlibullru of S47
lodaed unfair
Paris
aisriiislial claims seeking damagCs.W~
Potantiallinbllily: Nil. Sut:ceS3ful claLru would daim also includes a claim fot paYlil~1ihl
On 20 May 2010 P~t's lawyers teceived tho
plaintiffi' ple:J.ding,s.lIlrcsponsc: Post's
lawyers prepared and fi.1~ (lor submissions.ln
preparing the submissions, Post's lawyers
advised thattlle. p(3Intrffi; hfld incon:cotly
made the summ.onsin the Dome: oftlle
Embassy and sent all documents to Post,
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MATTER
be covcred by C()ll1coyer
IS22(1)(§t@1
I
DESCRlPTlON
STATUS
contributions to the oomnlWlerllarv m;u.smn,
rather than. instituting proceedings against the
Commonwealth of Australia via 'the
seh""e!
C·S2i(11"'~~
-- .
l
diplomlUic channel.
In JUlle 2010 Comcovcr received advice from
the local lawyers thntit was not pOS$iblc. nor
Comcovcr is covering the costs of litigation
practlcru., to setde 1he.!l:C- mattl!rs before me
{thougbnottc.e Costll ofl
lsepiUate hearingon51uly2010.
pension isst\e) and. through.N1inter Ellison
(the A\ntJ;tl1i(lD.law fum appoinled to maOilgc
the cases), is Instructing Pest?s lawycJ'$ in
consullation withDFAT.
The pmties met bofore the Arbitration Court
of lb. Industrial Triblll1al o[Pons 00 8 July
2008. The Ptcsidcntset n hl:llring dale of5
MIlIch 2009 (w1.licb wns later postponed to 24
November 2009 Dnd thea. to 5 July 20]0). and
also set a. timetable for the provision of
documenfs and submissions.
At tbo S July2010 bearing, this tlIgumentwas
accepted by the judge and the plaintiffs'
claims were rejected on this proccdurcl erroft
without an assessment of their merits.
The plain,tifi$ recommence their action by
nrunU)g the correct defendant The matter is
set down foc a conciliation hearIng on 12 May
2011.
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MATIER
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39110
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l·.Jl>epartment of Foreign Affairs and Trade
61h"~~ J~'
(Dt=i/-L..
File No: 09/516,2 .
Date: 29 March 2010
TO.
co.
James Wise, FAS CMD
Ann Thorpe, CFO
FM.
Penpy Richar¥SLA
Derek: Tucker, AS RPB
iJe--
PARIS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF ISSUES ~ LITIGATION
At the meeting of the Executive on 23 February, you requested a briefing on the
three unfair dismissal cases brought against our Paris mission following the
restructure and subsequent redundancies that occurred at the Post in 2007.
Background
2.
In December 2006 Paris Embassy initiated a restructure and five ositions
lodged
were made redundant. Of the five, :S47F(1 );
Unfair dismissal claims. The matter IS ue to be lleara before the Arbitration
Court of the Industrial Tribunal of Paris on 5 .Tn)y 203 a • ;;rhe plaintiffs' pleadings
are expected in mid April. The cases are being covered and managed by Comcover
under the Department's insurance policy.
[!
Settlement considexations
~S4'--
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LEGAL IN CONFIDENGE
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84
10.
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We seek your agreement to the recommendation in para2;raph 9 above.
Agreed/ Not Agreed
~~
t~~
4er~kTucker
.
Assistant Secretary, Remuneration and
Post Management Branch
.Pag~3
.. ---...... -
-_._--
Penny Richards
Senior Legal Adviser
of3
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
,;
t
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Litigation Report; 1 Januarv 2010 to 30 June 2010
Tvpe of Matter
Page No.
CONSULAR ....................... ,........................................................................................................................................................... ,............................ 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: A-BASED ............................................................. ,................................................................................................... 10
EMPLOYlY1ENT M..A.TTERS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF .............................................................................................................................. 14
PASSPORIS .................................................................................................................... ,......................................................................................... 24
OTHER ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION COMPLAINTS ..................................................................................................................... 63
. SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY ORDERS • ....................................................................................................................................................... 65
. ;FOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS
* ...............................................................................................................................................76
_Toc202759263
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MATTER
DESCRIPTION
S4~
,-/
~4
STATUS
-i)'
~~2 1)'
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C1ii lange; tc. decisionI of Labou1' Inspector
S47Ff!-~
1---
Paris Administrative Court
PotentialliabililY: Nil
~47F}-1J
I
I In DeccmbC:f
2006 the Emb>lssy initiated arestrocture and
five positions were made redundant. Bcca1.lSc
On 26 Octobcr2009. the decision of the
AdwJnisfrative Court of AllPeal was
communicDled tQ the pnrtios. It confirmed the
judgment oflhe lower court rind 'lpheld the
labour insucctor's decision that she was not
competent to glve approval for Ictrcnchmenr
13
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31
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LMATI'ER
iS22( 1)(al(illi
Matter dosed
1
I DESCRIPTION
I ~4z.q;4
STATUS
.-
[ 'rencfilbour law requires lluthori7Jluon bl!
ob1ained from the Lubour Inspector before
retrenchment The tallOO! Inspector advised
lhatshe was IJGt competent to g[vc lhnt
1 in the: case Gfan Embassy,
a.pproval in the case afan Embllssy.
S47E{1 )71s chaUcnging the decision oEllie
"lii$pcctor. TheEmba:;s.y is oot a party but
filed ~ submi5sion,. given the impacl (In the
Embassy of the outcome o.f~~~ a.'p~l
(possible rems(ntemem of 547R-1
The. Mioisler's approval was ob1nm In
relation to Ute makinr; of the submission,
!?4ii=O).1 h:ls two months from the date of
notification of me decision to appeal to the
Admicistrotivc Supreme Court. To dale the
DepllI1nl.ent bas not ~eiyed notification th<ll
an appeal bns been lodged.
Matter dosed
>:J .
given tbat it included arguments ofinununity.
The COllI! heard the case on 9 Aprl1200S. In
njudgmcntQf7 May200S,lheCourtrejec(co
S47Ff1 Clappeul agrunsr the La.bour
lnspe(:tor~s.
decision.
iJ
S47F(1 lodg,d an appeal and med~{i)
submlssloo to tbe Court in Octobe["20 3.
Post's lawyers filed our submissions with the
court in earlv Jnnuatv 2009.
~1?F';!.~
On 24 November 2009~ tbe hearing was
re:structute omdfive positions Wete made
postpOJled until 51u1y 2DI0.
redundant (the employees were advised of this
I unrnlr .t.mnllss:lI CJ:ttms
S42!:1~
by Icttcron2S March 200?}. Oftheiive,
Arbilr1l1ion Comt of the Indllstrinl Tribunal <Jf $4 iFf.!it-!odg~ unfair
Paris
I ~snuss.al c.lal~ seelUng, (larnages. 'S47FfiI]
PotclllinlliabiEly: Nil. Successful claim would claim also includes a claim for payment of
contributions to the complementary llension
In December 2006 the Embassy initiate.d a
J9
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MATTER
;§~~~1)Ja}(ii)1
DESCRlPTION
STATUS
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:scp.~me
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Comcover is covering tlte costs; ofJitigation
(though not the casts of,S4iPf1 )~pilIate
pension issue) n.nd. tlttou&hlimiter Ellison
(the AUS1rnJian law finn nppointoo romanage
the cases)l is instructing Post's Illwyors in
consultiltIon with DFAT.
The parties met before tlle Arbitration Court
of tho Industrial Tribunal ofParis OJ:!. S July
200S. The President set a hearing date of 5
Marcll2009 (whi<:h was later post,poJ1ed to 24
Novemb~r2009
and then to 5 July2010).llIld
\l.lso set a timel3ble fe>r the provision of
documelUS and sUbmlSSil)ns.
~
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MATTER
D~CRll'TION
-
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STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
0Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade
,
34
Ctf
Minute
File no: 09! 5022
Date:
TO.
Acting Secretary
CC.
Penny Richards, Senior Legal Adviser
D"ominic Trindade, AS DLB
Ann Thorpe, CFO .
FM.
Derek Tucker, Acting FAS CMD
10 December 2009
Paris: Locally Engaged Staff Issues
This minute provides an update on the status oflongstanding LES management
cases in the Embassy in Pads. The post continues to manage a nUInber of
ongoing litigation cases, but has resolved sensitive issues relating to the
introduction of a new conditions of service package. We believe that Paris
management issues no longer require ongoing review by the Semor Executive.
Unfair Dismissal Legal Act~on
2.
You will be aware that in December 2006, the Enibassy initiated,.a,... ___ .
.le_st.ty?i.ure and :five LE3 positions wjre made redundant. Of ~e fi;re, ~(i)1 .
jS47T( .~);
_subsequently lodged unfrur dlSIl1lSSru clalIns.
The latest hearing took place on 24 November 2009, As plaintiff submissions had
not been received at 1.'1e. time of the hearing, the Embassy's lawyer sought and
obtained a postponement to 5 July 2010.
3.
Parallel to this, the union representing the former stat'! members (the
Confederation Frangaise D=ocratique du Ti'avail (CFDT), the .largest French. trade
union confederation) produced new evidence, and infonnaJiy sought f'uri:her
infor.:g1ation from the Embass on the re-en a ement of a former DFAT employee
;S47Ff1f
Iby the B47F0-l:
A formal reCluest from
the CFDT is expected:;---'~ was one of the five DFAT LES made redundant in
2006.
.'
. is47W
1 We are unaware of the union's rationaJ.e for seelting the
.
'inI6rmation but believe it ~ay be rela~ed F0...a_d~e to scrutinise the processes
employed by the Embassy in re-engagmgjS47f.(2llJ, as they relate to the
engagement of staff Who have previously been made redl-)ndant.
STAFF IN CONFIDEI9'~E;:
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-C-.C-:-;-.
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•••....::
•. ...::._ ....::
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•-.:-::-::::-:::--=-.-:-:-::-~-=-:-: _ _ _ -:-::-:-=._
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LES Conditions of Service
S~2(1
(a)(ii).
STAFF IN
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• ••.
• • • : . "'n
._~•• :'":'-:-:---::~-~~-:;.-:-:~:"•• :--.--.-~-~.-.:.---.-.~.~_,,_,.~-. _
• . • --,........-...~
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STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
._Oth~r
gngoing LES litigation cases
IS47~
IAdministrative
'
COU!t
of Appeal
11. On 24 September 2009, the Administrative Court of Appeal upheld the 2008
judgment of the Paris Administrative Court (in favour of the French labour
inspector) rejecting the CFDT's petition to invalidate the decision by the French
labour inspector in March ~0()7 that she was not competent to rule on' the
Embassy's dismissal ofS47Flli
~or economic reasons. The decision was
communicated to the.parties· on 26 October 2009.
12. Under French labour law, §.47Ff1j
Ihas two months to appeal the
deci:sion in a higher court (the Administrative Supreme Court) from the date of
notification of the decision.
S4"iF{i'j:.-
,.-
13., J
,
,S4~Fl11:
14. ;S47F(1 iDs seeking damages for medical disa:bility caused by unsa:fe working
conditions, and "equitable» damages.
15. :S4~n original claim was dismissed in March 2005 on technical
grounds. :S"*~stituted proceedings in 2006. The case was heard on 31 January
2008 and the decision was communicated tQ.Post's.,l.al:!wers on 27 March 2008.
The Court did not examine the substance of;S47Ft1)1 rc1aims but ruled that the
action had lapsed. On 1 July 2009 the post,received notification that:S47Ft11U
had lodged an appeal against the decision. A hearing is set for 9 February 2010,
~
7~
erek T"ucker
Acting FJrst Assistant Secretary
Corporate Management Division
STAFF IN
CONFID~NPE
Page 3 oH
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Litigation Report: 1 July to 31 December 2009
Tvpe of Matter
Page No.
CONSULAA ..... _...................................... ,......... "................................ _........................................................... _........ ".............. ",...,.......................... 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY ".".",•.. ", ... ,,, ......................................................... ,................. ".. ".............. ".... ".."........................ "................... S
EMPLOYMENT MATI6J.<S: A·BASED ...... ,......................................................................................................................................................... 15
fu\IPLOYMENT MATIEJ.<S: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF.............................................................................................................................. 18
OTIiER ................. _._ ........ _,>, .............. ",.................................... _._, _ ••.••• _._ .............. ,.",_, .......................................................... _._ ••• _••••••••••••.••••••• 52
AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMlSSION COMPLAlNTS ................... "............. ".............................................. "................................. 13
SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY OI\DEJ.<S ................................ "..................................................................................................................... 75
fOREIGN Sl!I1.VICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS .................................................. ,................................ ,............................................................ 87
_Toc202.759263
. I
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
38
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MATTER
PESCRll'TlON
I
S47R+r-Ch:lllcl1goto dccl!ion ofLnbDur InspectDr
Potentinlliability: Nil
,S22(1 )(a)(ii)i
I
I STATUS
Matter c!DScd.
S47~
I
[--~
I
! In December
2005 thcEmbilsSYJ'!:~!:ed arestru~~
fiv~os;tinml
w"';.....
G..,.,dundont
S47F{-1-j;
r
french labour law requires alllhorizati(Jll be
obtained from the Labour Inspec[or before
retrenchment The Labour Inspector advised
tha[ s-he was not competent to give thaI
approval in the case of an Embassy.
S4'7Ff~Wl'is challC1lging the decision of the
lospeetor. The Emoossy is n()t a.party but ms.
able (0 file a SUbrol$ion. given the impact on
!.he Embassy of tho outcome of the appeal
(possible reinstatcmcnt ofS47F(4)'
On 26 October2009. the decision oftbc.
Administrative Court ofAppe31 was
c.ollltll\lIJ,icated (0 the parties.lt cocftnr.oo the
judgmcntofthe lower court and upueJd the
labour inspc~tor>s decision !hat she was Ilot
competent (0 give approval for retrenchment
in tbe C3se of an Embassy.
·S47F(10has two months from the data of
notification of the decision to appeal to the
Administrative Supreme Court. To date the
DepilriInent luis not rcct:ived notffi.eation thnt
an appeal has beelt lodged.
I
s4?11i
-~
'S42m:
24
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
39
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MAnER
DESCRIPTION
STATUS
s.4~
S47f(1 II lodged an app"'''"" m-:!~1);
iS47~1
subm.JSsIon to the Court in Octobct' 2OOs:--'"'Post's lawyers filed our submis$ions with iht:;
court in ",rlv Jon""'" 2009.
In December 2{)Q6 the Emba!.:5J initialed a
restructure and five positioDs were made
Unfi i D" . I
.
rcdmu:1ant ~~~ ~~pl~}~~!:er~?llvjsed of this
n r umlSsn ClnJnIS
.hvJI';\tp.
fthc.five,
Arbitration Court ofthe Industrial Tribunal of §'471~k1Jl-Ilod&.«I upfair
Paris
dismissal claims seeking dlll1lages.
;S47F}1lD
Potcntiall.iability: Nil. Successful claim would olaim also includes a ctaim fo~~=nt 0
contdblltions to the comnlemen
cnsion
'§~-<.!L(aWi)LJ
scbc!'ll"'"· ,
~
42ftl'
;=:.-~
Corncover is co....ering the. costs of litigation
25
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
I
40
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MAITER
DESCRlPTION
STATUS
(though oat Ihe costs orS47~ )Dsepante S43!1l'
pension issue) and. througu Minter EIli!>on
(the Australian law finn appointed to l'1lUllage
the e4Se$)J is mstntctiDg pQstls lawyers in
-consultation with DPAT - an agreed protocol
bas been setup to facilitate tl~is.
The parties met b~foIC the AIbitration Court
oflbe Indusmill Tribun,l of fans on aJuly
2008. The.Presidentset ahcnring date ofS
Man:h:2009 (which was later postponed to 24
INovembe.l'
2009), and also a timetable
the
of documents and slibraissions.
Bet
fot
PIUvisiol1
AcCording to tImt timetable, the applicants
were to provide iheil' subntissiolls by 30
Septem.ber 2008. Pos,'s lawyer h"d advised
that tuese submissions would give l1S an idea
! of the arguments beLng milde., which would in
~ provide Comeo"" and Minte, Ellisoll
i~-'.. ...
~
26
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
41
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MATTER
DESCRlI'TION
STATUS
,
S2211~~
S2~1~
-
1$2~1~
,
.27
LEGAL m CONFIDENCE
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Litigation Report: 1 January to 30 June 2009
Type of Matter
Page No.
CONS ULAR .. " .. " ............... ".... " ..... " .. """"'''''' ......................................................................................................................................................... , 2
COSTS AND DEBT REeo VERY .......................................................................... "" ..........,......... " ................. " ...................................................... 5
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: A-BASED ........................................................... """"'''''''''''''''' .......... ,..................... """",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 9
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF "'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ........................................ 11
PASSPORTS ....... ""'''''''' .................................................................................. ,............................................... '''''''''''''' ........................... "'"'''''''''' 21
OTHER ....... "....... "'''''''''''' "...................................................................................................... """'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' .......................................... 33
iHREOC COMPLAINTS .......... '''''''' .................................................. """" ... "" ...................................................... ",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ......................... " 52
'SUBPOENAS At'lD D rSCOVERY ORDERS ~ .................................................................... """"'"'' "",,,,,, ............................................................ S4
lFOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS" .......................................................................................... ,.... '''''''''''''''''''''''' """"""'''''''''''' 62
1;;LEGAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE """'"'''''''''''''''' ............ "'''''''''''''''''''''''' ...... """""'" """'"'' "'" ......... '" .................................... ""'"'''''''''''''' 66
1
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
13
43
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MA'ITER
DESCRIPTION
S22(1)~
~_2_~(1
STATUS
~tJ1
a (lil
axlli
;
/"
'~47Ff1ii--
ChnUeng~ tQ
I
dcei;ion ofL~bQut' 111spect'Or
Pnris Admirostrntive Conrt
~~~~lf)
S47F{H
2006 theE
I
Tnt> CQurt heard the et\Se on 9 Apri120OS. lu
ajudgment of 7 May 2008. the Court rejected
~FfDCJappeal against the labour
I In December Iospcctor's decision. The full text of the
:usy ii1tliated a lesLructure.and
dl!C;$ion wa:; onlv issued in June 200S.
[4
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
44
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MATI'ER
I
Potcn1ialliability: Nil
822(1 )(a)(ii)O
DESCRIPTION
STATUS
l
fiv~.nosi~
S47F(11
tI
i French labour law rcqUllCS :lUfrlOri~atio~ be
obll\ined from the Labour Impeclor before
retrenchment The Labour Inspector advised
that she was: not competent to give. that
3Eproval in thc~c oran Embassy.
aeknl'lwl~dged receipt ofthc Court's requesl to
lis challenging the decision of the
provide a submission. Post's l:l.wyerS filed our
Inspeclor. 'ineEmbllssy is not 11 party but was submissions with the court in etlrJy Jnnl10ry
abl!!. to -me a submi$Sion, given. the impact on :2.009, nnd we are slilI nwniling advice on
tbe Embassy of the OU1cowe orthe im~
when tllc hearing will be held {we 1lltderstnnd
(possible reinstatement of
dl:1L the Court wilt beclo~ed from 1 JuLy (01
September 20:09 for the summer brntk).
1?4~
I'S47"1:!.l.
.
I
Unfgir Dismissal Claims
lodged <1n ;lppeal and filt:dD
submission to the Court in October 2008. The
Labour Inspector sent n I5!UCI to the Court, but
neithe!' PO$t nor Post's Inwycrs have yet seen a
copy. We were informed that the letl~rW<ls
just a ionnality in which the lA.bour Inspcotor
S4~
In December 2006 the Embnssy initiated a
restructtuc md five positions were made
redundant (Ule employees were advi$ed of t1>Js
by letter on28 Mareh 2007). Ofthe ~:~faiL
Arbitration Coutt of the lndustrial Tribunal of ~47FM~
'dismls chums
seem
dama
=
~~~
'oMode
es.l
15
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
I
45
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MATTER
PilIis
DESCRlPTION
STATUS
,S4~
ll1?tlJ
Pot(mtinlliability~ Nil.
Successful claim would
c::).:,r1\;;;\iu\;-i
(ShouldS41F(1IJbesuccessiul"'~P)'
separate action against tlleFrcncb Labour
Inspector~~y~lso be able to seek
reinmtementa:1though doing so would have
~.!!- if.D'pa~t 00. the timIng and proceedings for
~u\lfiP.r diltmissal el3im.)
,
ComcDvea is: covering th~_co.¥[$_ oflitis.~tiC)n
(though not the: costs ofS47F(4)'
!scpa,ate
pension issue) and, through. Minter Ellison
(the Aus[rnH1lIl law imn oppoil11ed to mnno.se
the CIlSCS)s is inS!:nlcting Post's lawyers in
cOJ!~ltation withDFAT -;m aereed protocol
has been set up to facilitate: !his.
Tho pllItics met befoIC the Arbitration Com
tlftbe Indosfrlill TriburJDI ofPnri& en S Iuly
2008. The President set tI bearing date of5
Mmll2009 (which WiES later postponed to 24
November;' 2009), ru:td also set n timetable for
the provision ofdClcumcnts and submissions.
A<lcording to that timlHable, the applicants
were to pc()vlde their submissions by 30
16
LEGAL Ii'! CONFIDENCE
46
LEGAL It'{ CONFIDENCE
MAnER
DllSClUPTlON
September200S. Post~s lawyer had advised
that these l>ubrn.i:S:iioDS would giv~ us nIl ide:!
Qfthc tll'gunlfmts being trladc, which \vould in
STATUS
84.. 1)
turn provide Oomcovcr and Minter Ellisol1
with an idea of ollr prospects of success.
i?£2J11~
S~2(i'
;§2'2(1i~
1-
[7
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
I
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
RED
TED
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Litigation Report 1 July 2008 to 31 December 2008
Type of Mattel'
Page No.
CONSULAR ..................................................................................... "'''' ..................................................................................................................... 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERy .......................................................................................................... " ..................................................... ,,,,,,,,,,,, 6
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: A·BASED ...................................................... " ..... , .................................................................................................... 9
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS : LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF.................. , ...................................................... :.......... """""",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 11
PASSPORTS ........................................................................... " ........................... ,............................. " .... """"""'''''' ............................................... ZZ
OTHER ... ,.............................. """.""............................. ,.......................................... " .......... ,.................................................................................... 33
HREOC COMPLAINTS .......................... " ......................................................................................................................... """"""'''''' .............. ,..... 45
SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY ORDERS" ................................ "'''' ................................................................................................................. 48
..;FOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS
* ..................................................................................................................."'''''''''''''' ... "....... 56
.LEGAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE ...................................... "" .......................... " ...................................................................... "." ..................... 60
1
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Rl
53
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MAnER
DESCIUl'TION
STATUS
~g(1#~
!l47Ff4l\--
I
PotentialliabUiIY: Nil
S22(1)(a)(ii~
I
r'"' '----
--I
Challenge to deci:iion or Lil.bour Inspector
Pads Adm.l.nistrnti....e Court
~l~_
ITh_~~~.~,,,""'.'
I .....
jl
I
I
I
.
IIn Daccmber
2006 the Embassy initiated a restruclure nnd
~.9~itiOI1S were made redundant. c=:J
S47,
.••
i
Fren.ch labour law rcqurres authonzation be
obtuncd from the Labour Inspe:ctorbefo~e
retrenchment. The Labour [ns.p;ctor ndVlScd
thai slle ~~i'lS not competent to gwe that
.~.E!2val m tho case of an EmbilSsy.
S41,FITf1is challenging ~hc dccisionoftbc
Inspector. The Embassy IS not a party but \VilS
jgdgmcJIt of7 May 20081 ate Court :rejected
Iappenl against the L:t.bour
Inspector's decision. The full 'text of the
decision was onlyismed in June 2008.
I
ItQdged tn appeal andfiledD
submission to thcCtlUrtmOciobcr2008. The
Labour Insptcto.c Se)lt a teller to the Court. but
neither Post not p(lS~'S lawyers have yet seen a
copy. Post's lawyers filed our submissions
with the court in early January 2009, and we
are now awaiting 2dvice on when the hearing
will beheld.
_.....
•
able to file a submission, givell Ute impact on ~1?\~
the EmbilSS}' of the olltcone arlbl( RPPj
~
(possible reiustatement of
.
l
:S42ftj:
16
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
54
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
I DESCRlPTION
MAITER
STATUS
r~
1-s4i~
.
I
j'c____
In Deccmber2006 the: Embassy initiated a
rcs[nlc:tute and :five POsitio-llS were made:
redundant (the employeeswr;re advised of this
Unfair Dismissal chillls
by tener on 28 March 2001). Oftha. five,
IJod~cdun~ir
Arbitration Court oitlIe IndUlitrial Tribuoal of S-47F(-#.-dlsmssa[ cJ:ums: sccldog damages. S47F(1k1
Pfl.ris
claim nlso includes a clnim f.orpaymecl Otc
PotentiallillbiHty: Nil. Successful claim would cOI!W~emcn(!!.{y pCll$ton .scheme. (Should
S47F(t~bt; succcss(ulJnDscpnrnte aclion
be covered by Comeover
against the Fren
our J.Uspector~LUay
~bl [0' scekrein:llatement a1 - ugb
ms '0 would have on Imp,,' on !be ~"\g
b2d )(a)(ii)1
S47F:i'if Dll~ pr(lceedings f01~ ~~r dismi~al ,
cl2.1m).
S~ F(1}1
!:?4 .11J
Comcoveris covering the costs ofJitigation
and, through Minter EUison (the Austtalian
law firm appointed to manage the cases), is
instructing Post~s la.wyers in consultation with
DFAT - an agreed protocol has been set up to
faeilitatc this.
I
The parties met before the Arbitr;tlion Coun
of the Industrial Trlbunnl of Pnris on &July
2003. The President set a. hearing d<llc ofS
J\1arch 1009. nnd also set a timetable for the
provision ofdocument!l and submissions.
Aocording to that timetable, the c.pplicnnts
Were to provide theirsubmissiolls by 30
September 2008. Post~s Je.W)lcr had advised
that tbese subtnissions: would give WI an idea
of the i!rguments being mad~ which would in
lUnl. provide ComcQvet tUld M1nter EJ1j~on
w'ith 3Jl idea of our prospects of success.
~.-
~~,
17
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
55
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
MATTER
PESCRIPTION
\ STATUS
IS4!1
~
m
1
.S22.<i~
"
18
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Litigation Report 16 April 2008 to 30 June 2008
Type of Matter
Page No.
CONSULAR ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY ...............................................................:............................................... ,................................. ,........................... 5
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS; A-BASED .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS; LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFf ............................................ " .................................................................................. 9
PASSPORTS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
OTHER ..................................................................................................................... ', ..... ,......................................................................................... 28
HREOC COMl'LAINTS ................. ,......................................................................................................................................................................... 36
SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY ORDERS ,' .................................................................................................. ,.. ,................................................. 37
'IlOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS '" ...................................................................................................................................... ,........ 42
LEGAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46
REVIEW OF LITIGATION OVER 07/08 FINANCIAL YEAR - KEY POINTS ............................................................................. ,.................... 48
1
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
'"
0>
57
LEGAL IN COi:\'FIDENCE
MATTER
I STATUS
DESCRlPTION
'9~~{1'~
S47FHf.1
Ch.. Uenge to decision ofLnbour Inspector
The Court heard the J;<]se on 9 April200S. In
a judsment of 7 May 2008, the. Court rej[!~led
S47F(1~
11"-'
'--'---"
:UU[J
Potentialliabili1:Y: Nil
$22(1
)(a)(fill
i
I IInspeotor's deoision. The: full text of the
!i1ppeal tlgainst the labour
J In December
Paris Adroicistrativc Court
uu:' ~m\)assy Imll~l00 1l rcs{tuc.ture and
five positions were made. redundant. c===J
I
I'_ren~ l~~our J~W
reqlllres Il;UUlonzllllOn De
decision was only issued in June ZOOS, and
has 2 monlbs from rcccipt of the
judgment Ie> lod,g,e Jln appeal.
I f'":'
•••.
obtained from the Labour Inspector befote
relJenehment. The Labour Inspector advised
tbat:she was not competent to giv~ tllilt
a~~ tbe case ofan Etubassy.
~l
is challe.nging the decision of the
Iru;pl!Ctor. The Embassy is: not a party but was
able to file !l submission, given. the impaot on
!he Embassy of the outcome oftbe appeal
(possible reinstatement ofl
~
~
p--~~
I
14
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
58
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
IrIE
I r,
l§fA:ruS
I
',h.~~I"
,A.
:
HI"m,
Arbilralion Court ofthe Industriai Tribunal of
Paris
•..
I~erl!~ will m~t before Arbilmtion Court of
_,
I bv leiter on 28 M, ~"h'2ru;7)1~~~:~;.;:"
clso
I di8mlssoi cl.fms.
includes a
payment of the
Potential1iability: Nj), Successfill claim WOlJld complementary pension scheme.
bl:. covt.ted by Comcovel'
1822(1)(a)(iill
the Industrial Tribunal of Paris an g July 2008
to determine if the claims can be s~ttlcd
through conciliation. If the partics fail to
settle e1ahns at tht: conciliation meeting then
Ihe court will assign a hearing dOlle.
Contcover is covedng the costs of Ii ligation
a.nd imttueting Paris' lawyers in consultation
with DFAT - nn agreed protocol hi1$ been set
Up
to facilitate Ibis.
We arc currently awaiting advice frolll Post's
lawj'(!:1'S as to noy submIssions to be mnde at
the concmation llearing. including all issues of
immunity and competcocy. If the conciliution
conference is notsucccssful, a hearing da[c
will bcsct.
15
LEGAL ll'! CONFIDENCE
•
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Litigation Report 1 January 2008 to lS.Apl"il2008
Type of Matter
Page No.
CONSULAR ............................................. __ ................................................................................................................................................................. 2
COSTS AND DEBT RECOVERY ............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: A-BASED .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS: LOCALLY ENGAGED STAFF ................................................................................................................................ 9
PASSPORTS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
OTHER ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28
HREOC COMPLAINTS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
SUBPOENAS AND DISCOVERY ORDERS ........................................................................................................................................................ 37
FOREIGN SERVICE OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS *............................................................:................................................................................... 40
LEGAL SERVICES EXPENDlTURE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43
I
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
~
60
LEGALINCO~1nDENCE
Pnris AdmiruSl'l'ativ~ Court
PotentlalliabUily: Nil
The CoUrt heard the case On 9 Apti1200S.
The decision is expected lo be comrnunicoied
to us in theDl!Xt 1-2 months. and mu)' be
subject to v,ppc.at.
Parties will meet before ArbilTatlOIl Court or
the Industrial Tribunal of Pan:; on S July 2008
to detemline ifthc claims call be settled
througb conciliation. If the pnrlies fnil (0
settle claims at the conciliation meeting then
che court wfli assign n hearing
Atbitralion Court oflbe Industrial Tribunal of
Pads
14
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
61
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
DESCRIPTION
Potentiallinbitity: Nil. Successfit1 claim WGu)d complementary-pension schem.e.
MA'ITER
STATUS
S22(1 )(a)(ii}1
and inSlnlClingParls~ lLLwyers in consuhation
wilh DFAT-nn ;)gIced protocol has been s.et
up to facilitate this.
No action in relevant period,
I
~'~
~i1..2(1~~(~.
522(1' a)!iU'
,
I,
!
I
I
/
15
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
LEGAL-IN-CONFIDENCE
Department of FOi'eign Affairs and Trade
Minute
~~-7> File no: 07/006062
Date: 3 October 2007
. ;fb<:: ,f,,,,
\::\....0 'ft.: cc,,",'
r-
TO,
Dou~ Clfster,
ce.
Penny Ricbards, Senior Legal Adviser
~
ThJ:ough.
Jameswise,F~j!O
~ .q...,~ ~~.J...,
liM.
Depuly Secretary
v..~ K>\o~"
_ \
"'-~
......4.-...
Mauro Kolobaric, NgAS SnB
Suzl\Ill1e McCourt, NgAS DIB
PARIS - LITIGATION - LES - MANAGEMENT OFllNFAm. DISMISSAL CASES
Tbis minute provides an update on the unfair diaroissal claims of three f(umer DFAT LES in
Paris and seeks yo~ent to a proposed communications sb:ategy setting <:mt ao:angements
regarding the exchange of infonnation between DFAT, Post, Comcover and the lawyers (m France
and Australia).
2.
Three fonner Paris LES :S 47Fi 12:
.
Ihave lodged
un:fuir dismissal Claims in the rnauslliitl Tribunal oUarls following their positions being made
redundant in Februru:y 2007 as pru.t of an Embassy restrllcture ofLES (five LES positions in total
were made -redundant). We were fiTSt made aware ofthe claims from the three LES on 27 July 2007
{S22(1)@(iil:
I. The parties are due to meet before the Arbitration Court of the
Industrial Tribunal ofPru.is on 8 JUl.y 2008 to see lithe claims can be setUed through conciliation. If
settlement is not reached, the Court will set a hearing date to detemrine the claims.
3.
On 1 Angust 2007, the department lodged claims with Comcover in respect of all three unfair
dismissal claims. On 22 August 2007 we were notified that Cameo'!,," had accepted the claims under
its pol:icy, and would therefore take o'!er future management ofthe claims.
4.
Comcover has advised that pursuant to a new directive from the SecretillY of the Department
of Finance, all new matters were to be referred to Department of Finance legal panel members
(consisting of Minter Ellison, Blake Dawson Waldron, Clayton Uiz and DLA Phillips Fox). The Post
engages LinkIaters as its loca11awyers, including in pIOviding advice on the Embassy restructure and
. related redundancies, as well as in its initial management of the unfair dismissal claims. Linklaters
dOel! not have a presence in Australia, and are thus not on the Department of Finance's legal panel.
Given Linklaters' detailed ant! in depth uudel'Standing oithe background to the unfair dismissal
claims, Comcover has agreed to continue to retain Linklaters, but with a Department of Finance legal
panel member (Minter Ellison) to provide them with instructions on behalf oI ComcoveI.
5.
As a result of the above arrangement, we have developed a draft communication strategy
(attscbed) that sets out proposed arrangements regarding the excbange of information between
DPAT, Post, Comcover, Minter Ellison and Linklaters in the management of the unfair dismissal
Pagolof2
63
n
j
LEGAL-IN-CONFIDENCE
.
cl~~ to ensure the Department is appropriately engaged in the process. AJ; the management and
outcome of the unfair dismissal cases eQuId have implicationa for otherissues being managed at Post,
. it is essential that we (DFAT) continue to be involved and kept infonned of developments. We have
therefore been careful to ensure that, while Comcover and lV1inter Ellison will now provide
instructions directly to Linklaters, DFAT and Post are still to be consulted before any action is taken..
This is the fust time that we have had to deal with such an arrangement and it is our view thatit is
important that we establish clem'lythe expectations lI!l1ong stakeholders.
6.
We request yom' approval to proceed to manage the unfair dismissal claims in accordance
with the attached communication strategy. If you agree, we will then seek Post's views and then
propose the strategy to Comcover.
~
Mauro Kolobaric
Alg Assistant Secretary
Staff Development and Post Issues Branch
A/g AJ;sistant Secretary
Domestic Legal Branch
Page2of2
._-- .. - ..._------" - ........._.. _----
64
o
Paris Unfair Dismissal Claims: Communication
Strategy
This communication strategy sets out the arrangements in place regarding the
exchange of information between DFAT, Post, Comcover, Minter Ellison and
Lliudaters in. the .IIlanagement of the unfair dismissal claims lodged by three fOTIIler
Paris LESS47fT!-l'
I
Communication and Instructions.
In managing the unfair dismissal claims, the following procedure is to be followed:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Comcover will instruct Minter Ellison
a. Comcover wiI! consult with DFAT before instructions are sent
b. DFAT will consult with Postifnecessaty
c. Final instructions should. be copied to DFAT (contact details below),
who will then. advise Post
Minter Ellison will then insrruct Linklaters directly
a These instructions will be copied to Comcover and DFAT (contact
details below)
b. DFATwillthenadvisePost
Linklaters will respond directly to Minter Ellison, who will in tum forward
that advice to Comcover and DPAT (contact details below)
a. DFAT will then advise Post
Minter Ellison and Comcover will discuss how to proceed, with the above
process then commencing again.
Other LES Issues at Post
Although Comcover is now responsible for managing the unfair dismissal claims in
consultation with l\£nt~r Ellison and Linklaters, DFAT and Post will need to continue
to monitor the advice to and ·from Linklaters as the unfair dismissal claims could
potentially impact on other LES management issues at post.
DFAT will be responsible for ensuring that Linklaters is made aware of the
demarcation of tasking involving the handling of the unfair dismissal claims and other
LBS management issues, primarily for billing purposes.
iS22(1f)(ii)!
.. -
--_...
. _
.
.. I
_....._------- . _ - - - - -
65
• S22(f(a)(ii),c-'- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
,
3405166
SECURITY IN CONFIDENCE
Minute·
:File no: 07/002355
Date: 23 August 2007
TO.
Secretary
ce.
Peter Grey, Deputy Secretary.
David Spencer, Deputy Secretary
Gillian J3:ird, Deputy Secretary
.Ann Thorpe, CFO
Penny Richards, Senior Legal Adviser
Peter Davin, Executive Director, OPO
Through.
Doug ChE!$~r, Deputy Secretary
David J. B@,b;ie, Deputy Secretary
FM.
James Wise, FAS ~1~
Sam Gerovich, FAS DID
J~')..41t?
'V\\<
h:
c:
~
,..>-
~,.,..r ~.,
II
v
I
.
A '\
,~~=P=~==S=E=MB==AS=·=S=Y=_~~=~~2(~1i~E~~-l~i~===========================~
ii3??{ifa)(fi):
I•
)
~.~ I'
L - - - . ._ _ _ _ _
Page 1 of5
.
_._-.. _._.- .
--
. ....
--------.l1
S22(L(.<ill'~}'~·~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~
Page 2 of5
67
822(1;-i0)--------------------------,1
LES Security Guards
14. The post ha{l an establishment of eigh1"I .ER spcnrlty gnarils at an annual
cost of $677.000 (six of these positions are filled by full time pen:nanent LES and
the remaining two positions are filled by temporary staff). The estimated
redundancy costs associated Wifu te:n:mnatlng the employment of the existing LES
guards :is aJ:ound $147,000. The post estimates legal costs of around $200,000
and a protracted and lengthy legal process if redundancy is pursued. Tbi.s is not
an unreasonable estimation of costs, given the messy mid ongoing legal issues and
legal costs associated with the recent LES redundancy process. In 2006-07 fue
post spent $143,000 on legal fees d:iJ:ectly related to LES redundancies 8I1d an
additional $142,000 on legal fees associated with other post management and LES
BR jssues. In addition, three LES are challenging their redundancy decisions and
are seeking compensation for 'retrenchment without real8I1d selious cause', wbich
under the French legal system could take years to resolve.
Page 3 of5
--------_.
63
-
69
........ - - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
r"('-*O}@}
17. In addition, t;:yo LES receptiomsts could be engaged to undertake the range
of receptionist/ switchboard dU:lies and 'to pro'l.ride relief coverage throughout the
year. There would be a requirement to offer redeployment options to LES guards
made redUIJ.dant UIJ.der French labour law. We should therefore explore &
deul0vmg two LES guards to fill these positions, at an annual cost of eurolOl,OOO
(aroUIJ.d $169,OOOl,. Given that the LES guards already provide a range of
receptionist, consular and other services to embassy clients and visitors, tlJis
seems a sensible proposaL
:S.?2(T. -§l)(i!)!
r--:
I
Page 4 cf5
~.
"
70
g~C0(~X~i)'------------------------~
Page5Qf5
71
34041
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Minute
File no; 07/006062
TO.
Secretary
CC.
Peter Grey, Deputy Secretary
David.J. Ritchie, Deputy Secreta:ry
Gillian B:lrd, Deputy Secreta:ry
Ann Thorpe, CFO .
Through.
JIM.
Penny Richards, Senior Legal AdViserl,....,..
'1o;c1
DougCh.R.1tutysecretary
M,\oI)C,;:\
J=OOWl,,,J~,k-
<- '....r b
_~
"-("~
. (--"'~~
PARIS ACTION PLAN • UPDATE AS AT AUGUST 2007
.
.
....:'1\ ~
This minute provides a status report on management issues relating to the
Parts embassy identified during the February 2006 internal aur:lit, March 2006
Post Liaison Vlsit tPLV) and June 2006 Budget Allocation Review (BARl. An
update in November 2006 (copy of minute attached at Al identified a range of
issues that remained work in progress:
•
Retrenchment Process for Five LES
2.
This has now 1;leen completed, with the last .of..the frve LES formallv ceaslng
to be employed on 2 July 2007. Three of the LES ,847Ff1-1:
I
have made f'01mal cla:in:is of unfair diSmissal and are seeking compensation for
'retrenchment without real and serious cause' of euro96,68l (around $162,000),
e'ur080,OOO (around $134,000J and euro 60,700 (around $102,000) respectively.
We are defending these claims, The fil'st he
fore the Arbitration Court of
the Industrial Tribunal of Parts is set:li 8 July 200 . We have separately lodged .
Comcover claims In respect of the three c es an
omcover formally advised on
22 August 2007 that-it has. accepted the cJa!T')§ under-its poli8T.
In the case ofS47F(1)8as;S.~!F{-!1:
Ithe Embl'},§L was requ:lred to seek the French LaboUl'
bpector's authorisation to make ~.B.11 redundant. The Labour Inspector
declared herself 'incompetent' to decide
. e matter and the Embassy then
proceeded with the redundancy. '847 1 i
supported by the French Union (S:IMA
CFDT), has now challenged the decision of the French Labour Inspector In the
. 3.
:S47Ff±l~
STAFF IN C01-®J)E~CJj:
Page 1 of5
--_._~.':":.-7"':"
, ••••• -- ",_ '~~!"""::;-:-:'~:-:~:-::.:';'".;---~-.:-;";;';.~=.:.T.""-:-:-:-:----'--'
.... - .... _... __ .....
...
72
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Pari~ldministrative
Court, The embassy is not party to the action. but was
invited to make submissions. After receiving local legal advice, the embassy (via
its lawyers) has advised the Court that it reserves its light to malce submissions at
a later point in the proceedings (after the Labour Inspector has put its easel,
4. - One
of the five LES S47F(1)
......
..
S47F(1 )
I
S47f\1 )
II
S47F(1)
:S47pw,'
C _____.l
.
-- -
-
-
S~2(1 ~)0i)
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
1"-
Page 2 of5
I
I
73
--_.-
"
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
822(1 )(a)(!i)
STAFF
IN CONFIDENCE
.
-.~
Page 3 of5
74
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
S2_?[1~~1(ITj':-.- - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
....
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page 4 of5
-----
- ...
...
_.
75
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page 5 of5
--.----..
------.-.--~,--.---.-~-
-----_._...- -
----
76
,
011000
LEGAL-IN - CONFIDENCE
.
/IA.."
Department of Foreign Affaixs ar. '
~\,S~
f~- f;L
S;1<..~
V
:Minute
?' .?:'
,.
It{IO
't4--.'-e-n-,-0;-0-7-'5-04'=tr.
Ftl
Date: 26 September 2007
TO.
vee.
Peter Grey. Deputy Secretary
DaVid Spencer. Deputy Secretary
Doug Chester. Deputy Secretary
David Ritchie, Deputy Secretary
llilichael Potts. F'AS ILD
James Wise. FAS CMD
Through.
FM.
Ann Thorpe. Ch:Gs'ef
. anctal Officer
Gillian Bird. De :y Secretary
U
lJ..,iS/ ~I
Penny Richards. Senior Leg~se~ ~7.k/
Suzanne McCourt. A/gAS DLB ~
~ \~
~
• <vJ
d('\~t,-...1~J<.. "f-,
UTIGATION REPORT: JUNE 2007 TO SEPTEMBER 2007
Jf-.~ "S ~c.'
Purpose: To infonn the Senior Executive of all ongoing litigation dealt With by t
Admlnisb:ative and Domestic Law Section from. 16 June 2007 to 26 September
2007. The a1:tached report outllnes the current status of litigation m~tters and
consequent contingent liability to the Department. This minute highlights ma;jor
developments,
Concluded matters
i,S22(1~-=(lli\
LEG.'I.L - IN - CONFIDENCE
Page 1 af5
\-D\.~..:>
77
LEGAL - IN - CONFIDENCE
(S22(111(tfa>J\it:*1ii)~._ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
r-- -.--
New matters
pau
2. (S4?RF(+3)~===:------1!S4i®
l former}ES in s ,
have lodged uDfatr dismissal claims in the Industdal Tribunal of Paris folloWing
their redundancies during the December 2006 Embassy restructure. A
conciliation meeting before the Tr:ibunal w.Ul be held in :luly next y~ar.....Comco:::-er
;will. i:Q.demn:tJY the De artment in relation to thes claims. Additionally, 0
~i::!).,
is challenging a decision by the French Labour Inspector in relation to
i§4i _ .. re unda..rwy in the Paris Administrative Co~rt, in which the Emh~ not a
party but has been inVited to fUe a submission. 1
I
~?_~~rL:(ii)i
ongoing matters
:S2~(1 r-.Jii:
Page 2 of5
Iv"
78
LEGA:L -IN - CONFIDENCE
Page 30[5
79
LEGAL -IN - CONFIDENCE
.' S22(1)(a)(iij
•
r-------------- ---
LEGAL-IN -CONFIDENCE
Page 4 of5
80
..-. _ ..
S2~~1
···~------------------1
a)(ii)
. /liLt ~.r-/
/\..l-.--_
Suzru.1ne McCourt
Acting Assistant Secretary
Domestic Legal Branch
LEGAL - IN - CONFIDENGl3 .•
Page 5 0[5
[
I.
LEGAL·IN·CONFIDENCE
f •
I:
I.
Litigation Report 16 June 2007 to 26 September 2007
I.
I:,
!
Page no.
True of :Matter
Consular
2
Costs and Debt Recovery
Employment: A-based
6
8
9
Employment: LES .
Passports
HREOC
Snbpoenas and Discovery Orders
Other
Foreign Service
15
26
28
31
35
1
"""
LEGAL-IN·CONFIDENCE
~
LEGAL-IN-CONFIDENCE
MATrER
DESCRll'TION
J
;S~7F(1)!
lThallenge to decision of Labour
lnspector
!
i
!
STATUS
;~jf(1~
I
Post's lawyers have informed the Court that
once the Labom· Inspector has filed its
submissions, the Embassy will then file its
submission. The Inspector's submissions have
not yet been filed.
]S47F(1)1
lIn December 2006
the
Embassy
initiated
a
restJ.ucture
and five positions
were madHedundant. ;S47F11 \1
I
Potential liability: Nil
lPosfliad
to
gain
pennission
:S47F(1
l'
.=
- 'uY!
from the Labour Inspector before retrenching him.
;
r-·-----D.l..!
The Labour Inspector advised that she was not
competent to givethat approval. On that basis, on 28 .
March 2007,iS47F(1 )Jwas sent a letter advisin~S47W
that-Dwas being retrenched·IS47F (nil is
...
Challenging
the
decision
ofthe
lnSpeclOr.
The
:S47F(1f
- __ • __ .1
Embassy! Gove.tnment is not a party but is expected
to file a submission.
S47F(1l
In December 2006 the Embassy initiated a restructure Parties will meet before Arbitration Court of the
and five pOSitions were made redundant (the
Industrial Tribunal of Paris on 8 July 2008 to
employees wei'" adVised of this by letter on 28 March determine if the claims can be settled tbrough
Ullfair DismissaiCJajros
conciliation. If the parties fail to settle claims at
2007). Of the fivelS47FIn
I
Arbitration Court of the Industrial
lodged unfair dismissai diiims. Note thatli3 47F.(1)1 i the conciliatory meeting then the COllrt will
Tribunal of Paris
claim also includes a claim for payment of the
assign a hearing dale.
complementary
pension
scheme.
Potential liability: NiL Successful
I
:Dl
,•
I·
..
I
claim would be covered by
Comcover
[81
I
13
LEGAL-ll'l-CONFIDENCE
ex>
'"
<,
.1
32853
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
o
Departm~nt ~Foreign
~vr<r.
~'
Mfairs and Trade
'
Minute
~'i
File no: 07/001341
Date: 28 March 2007
~
TO.
The Secretary
ce.
Doug Chester, Deputy Secretro:y [air)
Penny Richards, SLA
Through;
83
"V;=es Wise, F~~
'Mimon Merrifield, AS SFB
FM.
--'Yt""""......~"4'.'-"=-..--.,
_ _ _ _ _ _ _p_:ARI
__S_"_RE_D_UND
__!<\N_C_y_p_'R_O_C_ESS
__-_UP_D_'Pi._T_E_ _
JCJ6
This minute proVides an update on the Locally Engaged Staff (LES)
~
redundancy process at the Embassy :in Paris. We have serious conCeInS abou
'
~ossible, alternative employment for one of the five LES be'
de red1.mdant
S47F(1 ),
Meanw. e, a new
egation has emerged by another LES employee that she wall "promised" a
particular position by the Ambassador and fonner DHOM. Work is underway to
\ investigate t h a t . .
.
Redundancy Process
2.
On 6 Februmy, final notification letters were hand delivered to three of the
five LES @4iF(1tk
Iwhose pOSitions were made redundant,
notiJYingmem at the final decision to abolish their pOSitions has been made and
pJ,'OViding fuem with three months tennination llptice. The letter to the fourth LES,
·§~iF(~jras delivered on 7 February 2007.
3.
The red1mdancy process for the ftfth [email protected]:filO was delayed because,
. under French labour law, the Embassy 1s required to seek the authorisation of the
F;reA<;:~ Labom; Inspector to make redundant ami T,FA elected a·s a JJl1ioy delegate
:E?47'=f1J
_On. 22
March the Embassy reported that·the French'Labour Inspector adVised that Bhe
was n.ot 'competent' to assess the conditions of the proposed termination becaulle
the employee works for a diplornaticmission. On 26 March 2007 we proVided post
a draft letter of redundancy for :847&1)0 Post has beep. asked to clear the text
with the labour lawyer before issUiii.gthe letter to :S47Ft1 )0
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE.
Page 1 of3
.- _.. --
...
",
.. _.... _.....
_... ,-_.-
.-..
----_ ...
_-_ _
....
.
,
84
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
TC.'re months notice _period
4.
It is common and established practice In France for an employer to reiea,se
staff from working during the three months notice period. Approval. was given for
the Embassy to offer an early departure date to an redundant staff. The Embassy
is working With staff to agree mutually acceptable dates.
847F(1l:
1--
5.
We have become aware of an
S~7i=(1
i
.
. I though there are no specific
detailsJ9r th.e position, we under tand that the duties- are very similar to those
. at S4'l-Flis currentJ: unde
. " In an email. of 10 Au
Ambassador Wensle
:S47F(1 )
L:-."_-'"-"-w-e-ar-e-em-'-em-el-y-c-o-n-c-em-e-d-q.-b-O-u-t-th-e-n-'-sk-to-._-1h-~-W-h-Ol-e-L-E-s-r-e-d-un-d-an-cy-TV
process of an option that involves re-employing :1'.4;71= 1'fb.e creation of a DYA
p.goS~iti~·~o~n~~~·~th~1~n~th~e~E~mb~a~s~s~t~oJugn~d~er~t~ak~e~;em~'~~~~~'~~~~~~Ctiy
cQJ:ltradict the rationale for the rES restructure: And to what Ambassador
Wensley told the Workplace Relations Committee on 8 December 2006specifically, that "the Embassy was examining alternative ways of handling its
annual program of activities in'the Sonn:ne ... and that tile new press/prOjects
officer would absorb much of this special. 'projects work".
84
II
L -__________________________________
~
,
We have canvassed other options .l~u!_.:none a pear risk free. Engaging
someone else In tll~lE!_nGosed by :§4-Wltbt
could also lead to action for
8.
=- "T''i~
",d , - - - , .~ b,m=<l,"'=daci.
Cancelling
reau.ndancy (jf indeed that is ossible at ibis stage) would
also risk legal actl from other staff claiming that e redundancy process was
flawed.
'84 .(1')'
. -,,-- \1
84 (1"
-
9.
.
L.
_
_
.
.._------
On the other hand, not re-engaging S4!F(1
seems likely, '''?4iF(ij
Ll also carries legal. rislt,_If as
I
JS~+Ft1:.~feU"ed
to In para 6 above constitutes an. offer of employment UJader French law,;847F{1D
may
be able to bring an action for breach of contract/damages. Prel:imlnary legal
'-
LE;GAL IN CONFlDEN€E .
Page 2 of3
85
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
a/'ce is that damages would be a:t least 12 months salary. While we would argue
~i any legal liability in relation to this would rest with DVA, R,VA might seek to
assign some responsibility to DFAT.
.
.-'
Discussions with DVA
,
10. We have had preliminary discussions With Kerry Blackburn, General
Manager, Co=emorations and War Graves Di~sion~VA (FAS equivalent) to
ascertain their thinking in relation to emplOying ~:!.:-f. 'Ilbd to sensitise them to the
issues relating to the redundancy process. DVA appreciated that there were
~ificant compJexil"i~ with the proposal to offer ~a;~gOing employment in the
Embassy, includin angles of which they were no(pre"ilously aware. We explained
to'DVA the need for any propose emp oyment arran ement to be consistent with
local law and for DVA to obtain local legal adVice concerning any proposed
employment arrangement. In doing so we stressed that it w9S imjportant that the
redundancy process should not be undermined.
.
II
.
11. DVA is now considering its options and has undertal;:en to obtain legal
adVice from the Australian Government Solicitor and French lawyers to ascertain
whether there is any low/no risk way that has not yet been conSidered for them to
employ a DVA staff member. Engaging someone as an A-based employee is one
option fuey have flagged that fueywould like to explore. Another option might be
to absorb the DVA duties among its existing LF,s and A-based establishment. T.bi.s
would not, however, ac"\dress possible action from
for breach of contract and
we have not yet raised this possibility with DVA or Post. S47F 1
I~~~
.
12. We will keep in close contact WithDVA Witj:l. a View to assistingthem-:Ilnd a 1/'
way forward that protects the redundancy process and minimises exposure for
\
DFA'l'.
S~2(l. . iQ
a'
--------~~
on Mer.dfield
Assistant Secretary
Staffing Branch
. LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Page 3 of3
.-
.. _----- .. _.--.. _ - - - - - - - _ ... _----_.
86
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
;)
'.
Minute
File no: 06/010970
Date: 23 January 2007
TO.
.Secretary
CC.
Doug Chester, Deputy Secretary O/R
Simon Merrtfield, AS SFB O/R
FM.
Penny Williams, FAS
eMD
PARIS EMBASSY - RESTRUCTURE PROCESS
This mlnute proVides a progress report on the restruci1.1re process at the Embassy
Paris. Post management is proceeding through the steps required under French
labour law and is consultlng closely With CMD and lLD on each stage of the
process. That said, a number of ollier issues, including LES allegations of
harassment by the SAO, have complicated the situation.
.
Background
2. Following the February 2006 audit, March 2006 PLV and June 2006 Budget
. Allocation ReView Process, llie Senior Executive put in place a strategy to address
the management difficulties. This has involved reVising the organisational
structure, resulting in a reduction of five LES positions. These positions have been
identified and the occupants Monned of the intention to make them redundant.
French laboUr law is heaVily skewed in favour of the employee and has prov:ided
challenges to post management in achieVing the desITed outcomes. 'The post's LES
workplace agreement specifically commits the Embassy to all aspects of French .
labour laws for red1.mdancy and the procedural steps this entails and post
management il'; required to negotiate each step of the redundancy process With the
LES Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) . .
.Potential RedeploYment/Redundancy of Five LES
3. The post has identified five LES positions as redundant in the reorganised
struei:ure and adv:ised the incumbents in writing on 18 December 2006. Part of
the redundancy process is to consider whether staff currently filling the TI;'dundant
positions can be redeployed to another position in the Embassy. As part of the
restructurefjpost management created a new Human Resource Manager pOSition
and as 1s reqUITed under French labour law, the five LES were llrv:itecl to apply for
this new position (pl1?-s five other current vacancies which were at lower
·STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page I of3
.....-:.:.c.
....::c.••::.... _.
.;c..- - - - - - . - -.... -. - - - - - - - - - - .
...c'
•
87
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
,.-..
c:lJs:rfi.cations). Four of the LESapplied for the Ruman Resource Manager
position, and an were interviewed on 4 January 2007 by a Selection Advisory
Committee (SAC) chrured by the DROM. 'The SAC found that none were suitable
for redeployment to this position. They have all been advised in writing of the
SAC's recommendation to the HOM. None of the five staff members expressed
lnteres:t in the five other vacancies. All vacant positions have now been advertised
eKte=ally, with applications due on 26 January 2007.
4. In accordance with French labour law, tb.e post is reqUired to seek the
authorisation of the French Labour Inspector to make redundant any. LES elected
as a workplace delegate. One of the five identifi.ed LES is a depuo/ employee
delegate and t!.1.e post has sought pennission from the Labour Inspector, in a letter
dated 19 January 2007, to proceed with the redundancy process. A three month
mandatory notice period must elapse from the date of acknowledgement ofthe
letter from the embassy before any further action can be taken.
~~~U~ ,?lQiJ
STAFF IN CONFIDE:N~Il;
Page 2 of3
88
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
-----.--------------------J(ii)
S22(1
Next Steps
~
We are now requrred to wait the mandatory three morrlli pertod following
fonnal notification of the "redundancies of the five LES. This should
conclude on 18 April 2007.
"
"
Penny Williams
FASCMD
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
'.
Page 3 oi3
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Department 0rf Foreign Affairs and Trade
, /Of1..'ilt(
.
I· fi1l'd~
.
2. ~ };1/l r II\f "J/\eJvt..f
Fileno:
Date: 24 November 2006
The~tary
TO.
ce.
Arm Thorpe, CFO
Through.
li'M.
Minute
I
V i4t'1
.
Doug Chester, Deputy Secretary
-"'-Penny Williams, FAS CMD
~
~ ~I. ~
\
~ {.y..J...
.......
..r--
~~~I'
Ar-lJ.~{'<7'""'
: ) k:~'"
PARIS ACTION PLAN UPDATE
~~ ~
.
f..~
-1(iH\S'~
t
This minute assesses progress in addressing the full range of rnanagem
issues identified dur.ing the February 2006 internal audit, March 2006 Post
fr""'\,}.
Liaison Visit [pLV) and June 2006 BudgetAllocation Review (BAR). HOM Parts has
.prov1de~ a comprehensive report for consideration by the Senior Executive on
~ t\
action taken by post management.
Attachment A - reports on the post's actions in response to the 2006 BAR;
Attachment B - reports on post's response to the PLY recommendations; and
Attachment C - reports on post's' action in respollile to the internal audit.
2.
In addition, HOM PariS has written a covering letter addressed to you which
is attached at D.
3.
The reports provide, overall, a fair assessment of post management's a!Otions
In addreSSing the range of financial, adrnlnistrative and management issues
identified dur.ing the PLY and audit and in the BAR. This has not been achieved
without G.onsiderable level of input and prompting from Canberra. A small CMOled team, with representatives from Domestic Legal Branch [Katrina Cooper,
Mauro l{olobartc and Nicoli Maning-CampbellJ has provided the Canberra-end
support to the post in this process. There has alSo been regular dialogue between
FAS CMU and HOM Paris. It had initiaJIy taken some effort from Canberra to
ensure post management focused attention on priority issues and put.in place
necessary processes to manage the problems identified. Messages were reinforced
when Deputy Secretary Chester visited Paris in September.
4.
We are now starting to see some positive outcomes as a result of these
processes, Jncluding some progress on LES redundancy issues. However, t.l1ere
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page 1 0[4
90
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
,.,
stllL)mains the risk that tltis process could be delayed o:nd/or frusirated by·tl;l.Ose
disgruntled LES whose positions·will affected by the red1llldo:ncies and by those·
militant members of the Workplace Relations Committee (WRC) who are reluctant
to embrace change. The redundancy process has been rigorously scrutinised and
is in su.-ict complio:nce with French labour law.
J
•
5.
The successful conclusion of this process will need unwavering resolve and
leadersbip from the post and will provide the foundation for tackling other major
challenges ahead, such as the review ofLES social security issues, the
rene otiation of e L Wo Jace A eement and the review of securitv
g.
s will continue to reqUire ongoing and regular dialogue and management from
Canberra to ensure that the momentum continues o:nd that there is no resiling
from the action plan.
In this context, we look forward to the arrival of the new Depuiy Head of
6.
Mission in January 2007 to provide additional impetus to the efforts of the HOM
and SAO, who have largely driven these management changes. We see substantial
benefl.t in having greater involvement by the DHOM (and where appropriate other
A-based staff at post) in the management reforms and engaging and consulting
with staff so as to effectively COIIlIIlunlcate the financial and siructural reasons for
the reforms.
6.
What has been achieved?
S22(1~~:
T ered1llldan
e
p47F(~
's4iF1 I is now in irain. It is expected 7 atOWill formally cease dUty on 3
li)
""Feoraary 2007.
'S2~( 1]
7.
!s47fillj
'
(Ull
Work in Progress
e retrencbment rocess for five LES ·will formally begin on 4 December
;Z006 when the HOM is scheduled to present to
WRC
i)
STAFF IN CONFIDENC:E
Page 20f4
..
-
...
- - - .... -_........._--_.
~- -.--.--~--.-
--------,-.----.--.-.~- ' . , - ,
.
__....__ .._..............- .....
_. __ .•..•.
........ ,
---------- .
.,
... .. '-,- ....
'-~~
91
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
a p~)er outlining the reasons for the restructure and the llkeliliood of
redundancies. This is required under French Labour Law. The redUIldancy
PJocess is not expected to be completed before April 2007, at the earliest. '.As a
result. the reduced LES salary costs will only take effect from about May 2007.
A:!J:.y antiCipated budgetary savings will be nill:dmal in 2006-,07. The process has
been scrutinised and cleared with Canberra.
Post:is working with OPO to iden' 0 tions to hand back to OPO excess
spa,ce in order to re uce the post's property rental costs.
ill}
"\
•
iv)
PQ.st is working with FMB on unrecovered Value Added Tax (VAT) dating
~~.k to July 2q03. This :issue:is further complicated because of broader property
and rates related issues which affect diplomatic missions in Canberra and
t potential consequ<,\nces for reciprocIty.
.
v)
Settling-in and settling-out procedures fOl' A-based staff have been refined
and work contInues to ensure effective processes are in place. Post has been
unsuccessful to date in recruiting a CLO, It will readvertise this posItion in
February 2007. S£louses' laCk of French language is a major deterrent in
attracting Suitably qualified applicants.
:S22(Hfaif!ttt'I)t;-:- - - - - - - - -
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page 3 of4
92
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
sii(11(-a)(!i)""- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,
r---- ill)
Post budget. There will be continuing uncertainty about the post budget
until the LES redundancy process has been finalised, the review of security
guarding has been completed, the post has been able to regulartse any
~
baclqJayment of LES social security, the VAT issue is resolved and OPO-related
prope.riY funding issues clartfied. Post budget has been supplemented by _
AUDIOQ,OOO for legal costs assocIated with the LES redundancy process aud
AUD350,OO for LES redundancy-related costs, agreed by the Senior Executive.
822(1 )(.)(ii)'
Penny Williams
First ASSistant Secretsry
STAFF IN C01\TFIDENCE
~'"
\
~
Page 4 of 4
.---~---
...
-------~----~---
-
_
...
-.,--~
93
Australian Embassy - Paris
Position paper for Senior Executive
Action taken following February 2006 Internal
Audit, March 2006 Post Liaison Visit and June
2006 BAR
BAR 2006-07: Parls - Senior Executive Decision
S22( 1
a)~iQ,
(d) LES establishment to be reduced by a least 5 over the next 2
years
1
-:-'-;-,":'"-.
-.,-..
-~- -.-~---.--.-~,-.~-
.-._-_..
94
.
"..,.
I.
.J Advice from Mr Chester was that the 5 positions are in addition to the
wW~osition -
that position being part of the offset for the creation af
fue secondA-based corporate 'position.
_
. . .
.(--:~'-'.~
.S47~)
If
.
Tl1.~ xeelundancy procedure is nearly completed.
.' ..
,~,!!j:O.(:1.)J is currently
on a 3 month notice period, as required by F.rench labour law. and will
cease duty on 3 February 2007.
As we work to return the post to a proper management footing we
continue to be confronted wifu irregular issues (although not
~
-
---~
speci:J?cally illegal) that appear to have had substantial input from ,§±tnU
iS47-F(11~ among fuese are the terms and proViSions of the Workplace
AgreelJ),ent (including generous provisions to LES employees) and the
use of the Carte Speciale (comment below).
Restru,<>ture and Reduction of' at least 5 LES positions
The post has agreed witll. Canberra a revi8ed organi8atianal structure
for the Embassy - it will require the reduction of a net five positions,
in addition to thejS4 !F(I~osition, and ihe retrenchment of up to five
staff.
Subject to final approval by the Department of the timetable
proposed by the post, ihe formal redundancy process will begin on 4
December when HOM presents to the spokesperson for the LES
Workplace Relations Committee a paper outlining the reasons for ihe
restructure and the likelihood of redundancies - this is required by
French Labour law.
The dilli.culties for employers of French Labour law are, of course, well
known and documented but nonetheless continue to be a source of
serious frustration. The diliicultles have been exacerbated by a
prQvision in the LES Workplace Agreement which specifically commits
'l:J.:te Embassy to all aspects of the French labour laws for redundancy,
and all
.--the procedural steps t..lIat this entaJIs,
Tb~ lawyer has
2
==~=~~
=. .
.......... - ... :~-~ . ~~,.............. ~~~=.
_~,_~
__
~.
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_ . _ _ _ _ _ _•
__
• _ _ _ • _ _ _ R _ _ . _. . . _
.... _ ·
=
. . . .==========
-'=''"
=:.
. .= - = - = - - - - , "
- -
.•
-
•
95
;'J told us this was.an u..'1Uecessary and foolish provision to :include:in
--
the Agreement and has added unnecessary compleJdties to the
11'"-
(
process.
---..
Attached is the tlmeline of the steps that we are requJred to follow. As
you will see it is unlIkely the process can be completed, and staff
reductions made, before April, 2007. This means that reduced salru:y
costs will only be effective from that time and this will impact on the
post's budget for 2006/07. Now that we have a fairly firm date for the
redundancies, the post 'l.vill undertall:e a thorough re-exammation of
its budget and will provide fur!her advice to CMD of the likely outcome
for 2006/07.
The funding for !he redundancies will be in the order of ADD 348,000
but the exact figure cannot be calculated until the actual date of
tel.JJlination is Imown, because the redundancy payments are based
on both full years and part years of employment (the above figure
Includes the exact redundancy payment forQ as\ ~ure
date has been fixed).
~4'¥~U'
84' (1)
3
---------_.- ..._--
96
.·'S22(1
" . . . . _(a)(ii)
.. _-
4
,----'._-._--_.-
97
5
~22((t.'!2(~ffl:-------------------_____~98
6
99
S2?(1
a)(ii)---------------------~
7
S~(1(ai(ii)--------------------~----
8
-""-'--
..
- --, .. ,- .. . . --.
~
100
101
S22(1
ii)
Redundancies
The redundancy process is unsettling and will remam so until it
finalised.
A particularly diliicult period will commence on 4 December when the
positions to be cancelled, and hence the five employees who will be
made redundant, becomes known. We can expect accusations of
unfair process and discrJrnlnation against LES and possible
obstIuctive action by the WRC. We cannot rule out some i.ype of
union action such as conveying information to the French and
Australian press. The possibility of a strike cannot be ruled out.
9
\
...
- - - - - -..... _•...._ -
- ...... _---_ .......- .............. _ - -
102
~~~1fLa)(ii2!--------------------
10
S33I~~~(i.0:"~-----------------------~
11
---
.
~-
._ .... _ -
103
104
S22(1-~a)(ii);-.---------------------~
\
12
S22(f~(a)L0ii)-----------------------1 M
13
106
'--1"-===------------------
IS22(1';
-_. L.
'I...
I
14
107
31201
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
Department of Foreign Mfairs and Trade
~ ?<>f<t.
. .
f· Ihr·~V!.~'Jf,y-
2, lnS wlllJ''{.i i'l-\j
Minute
File no:
TO.
Through.
Pelmy Williams, FAS
FM.
eMD
-
You asked that we provide advice as to ~hether ,S22t4~&clilih be pursued Ie ally ;"'/ ~
by us if further sufficient evidence comes to light in our investigatl:ons or wb.ether "1 0
giv:lng,s4.:i'=ljiii redundancy closes off that option,
.
C2,,!?L's advice is that:
S4
•
-'-
. Penrry Williams
LEGAL IN CONFIDENGE
Page 1 ofl
108
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Minute
Date; 18 August 2006
TO.
Sec",tary
cc.
GeoffRaby, Deputy Secretary
Doug Chester, Deputy Secretary
David Ritchie, Deputy Secretary
Lynette Wood, AS EXB
Penny Williams, FAS CMD
FM.
.
Lf::-
.
l-.
. ,<J \\i
. P.ARIS EMBASSY - BAR and PLY Review Update
\\t _. ",'1..,,,---........,
Attached is a paper received from Penny Wensley, HOM Paris, dated 15 "-(
August on the implementation of Pmis PLY and BAR recommendations.
/"
Penny Williams
First Assistant Secretary
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
--------_.--_.--------..
__.--_...- . ... _-_._
..._ - _ . - - - " ' ' - ' - -
l 'r
109
PLV RECOMMENDATIONS: PARIS 2006
FOLLOW-uP AUGUST 2006
•
Decision 1 - that the post undeltake a fundamental review oHts .
business priorities, business :p!ocesses and staffing requirements to
clearly identify savings strategies needed to ameliorate the budget
sho.rtfalls it currently faces.
Significant progress has been made in .this area and it continues to be
post management's highest priOrity. The major activities in this area
are the folloWing.
LES Staff Reductions/Restructuring
The post has reviewed its priorities in the context of the decision by
the Senior Executive that the DFAT LES establishment is to be
reduced by at least 5 positions. The post has submitted a proposed~1J
Action Plan which will meet this requirement and reduce ongOing (
salary costs by ADD 513,639.
The restructure proposed can be achieved by a combination of
transfel"ring some functions to A-based officers including the newly
created 3 m Secretary (C&A) pOSition; streamlining processes;
eliminating oyerlapp:!ng tasks; ongoing staff development programs;
and producti,v1ty gains by the retrenchment of undel' pe,fOrming staff.
The proposal involves the retrenchment of 5 LES .
.
The proposal is under consideration in Canberra and the subject of
follow-up infonnal discussions between FAS, eMD, HOM, SAO and
SDB.
S22(1:::-1W):
'L- 1S2~1 «il_." :!-:_ _ _ _ _ _f
1
.
-.
. .
. ... -
...
-
-~--------.----.---
.
"
~
....... .
... ....... .
~-
-::::;:"-::..--....:.-:~':.....:.:.:...- =--.:.-.....-.....:.:....:~. :---- .. :.
- - , ' ... ,'.
'--
110
s22(f(a)(ii)I------~--------------
2
....-
~
(")
~2(f(ai(ii:')--------------------'
'1
I .--
3
--~----.....:.-....::...-
... - - :.
: ... - --'----'
- .. -.-- - - - - - ...
-
111
n
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
,~
Minute
TO.
The Secretary
CC.
Ann Thorpe, CFO
• - ft.«:-17 (..(
Through.
Doug CbfSter. Deputy Secretary
FM.
J:'emlY Williams, FAS CMD
Kattina Cooper, A/g Senior Legal Adviser
PARIS - PLV AND BAR FOLLOW-UP LES REDUCTIONSjRESTRUCTUlUNG
ACTION PLAN "':~17ffl.+I
...,._.Itps m~te proposes that we authoriSe post to proceed ~o make redundant
,S47Ff'1f,
~ the senior Locally Engaged Staff (LES) accounts and personnel
manager. Post will need to work closely With the local lawyer (Linklaters) to ensure
.the process is consistent with and defenSible under local law. ~ .W,f;lJpd.
~
wanted to proceed With a fOlmal CoC!-e of Conduct process agamst,847-F(11Iocallegal
advice.is une uivocal ill, strongly recomp:!.endllig against this c~urse of action.
Given@'~!f(
being paid salary an accrumg a
a e cos s, we
reco!l:ll'l1end bringing closure to this case through the proposed redundancy.
*
Redundancy/Restructure Process
2.
Th~ Senior Executive directed post management tp reduce its LES numbers
by at least five. As part of the pos.:r~.PIE.P0sed Action Plan for LES reductions and
restructuring, post has identifled:S47F(j1?osition as one offi.ve to be abolished.
While we are not yet in a pOSition to' 'endorse the proposed Action Plan, we are of
the view thaJ:...~ven the establishment of the new A-based Third Secretary (Admin)
poSition.@.,!7-F(1~ositionis lltlwredundant. The new position Will take over a .
. number of fueftnancial and HR management respotlsib¥.!-tie/3.. 9ffue LES accounts
and personnel manager position, currently occuple.d by iS4?-F\J!2,
.'
3.
The cost of funding the new A-based Third Secretary (Admln) posmon was
going to be offset by the witl:uD:awal of one ,!\-based pOSition at post (notionally the
DROM). The Senior Executive decided tP..uold off on reducing anome, A-based
pOSition. You may Wish to consider th.ee.41F(j~osition as an offset or partial offs!'!t (V:I"")'
for the Third Secretary (Admin) position. This would mean that the pqst
nee~:to reduce its LES estab1ishment by five positions in addition to the:S47FO
pOSlUOn.·
.
WOuldm
.I
r -,
!S47F(11'
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
... _--- .... -
if
_ _.
......... ......
---_.
113
LEGAL IN CONFIDENCE
5.
Article 7.2 Qf the posfs LES Workplace Agreement provides for redundancy
due to changes in the natllre. extent or organisation of the embassy. ):>.2!>! will
need to work closely with Linldaters to ensure the process of making S47'Fd)
redundant, including any rectu:trement fo consider redeployment, is consistent with
and defensible under local law.
6.
.Article 7.'2 further provides that a fuJI-time employee who is made re.dUl).dant
is entitled to receive two weeks' salary [at the base rate of salary) for each
completed year of continuous service UP to a maximum of 48 weeks' seland\
S47F(1);
.
'{.
We would propose funding for :§l7F(~dUE.dancy be drawn from the Cenir'al.
.
.
Contingency Fund.
Oode 9f Conduct. Process .
The LES workplace agreement provides for dismissal for sei.ibus offence
andlor misconduct to be dealt with according to French law. Whlle we consider
thatJS47F(1;1
l the
commencement of a formal process to determine whether or not he breached the
LES Code of Conduct (and had :instructed post to that effectJ, local legal advice is
unequivocal in strongly reco=ending aga;fnst tl1is course of action, because
8.
al a French court would view the series of :investigations we have already
conducted as constituting a formal determination process and
b) undertaking a new process againsti~~!£a::ii.t tins stage could also be ~~eu__,
by a French court as a f = ofbarassment wmchincreases the risk of :S~7fi1.)1
cla:iming any subsequent redundancy process. was unfak and being a~ded.
damages.' In addition, a court could order reinstatement and :find us
criminally liable for harassment.
9.
If you agree, we propose to cable pos~ advising that it proceed to makef§.{f-!{i~!
redundant as a mai.ter of priority. A separate cable will be sent advising post not
to proceed With action under the LES Code; of Conduct.
~.
Penny Williams
Ftrst A?sistant Secretary
Corporate Management DiVision
atJ:ina ooper
AI g. SeiJior Legal Adviser
LEGAL IN 'CONFIDENCE
-_. . ._-"
.. .
......
--
.,--,,.--
._.. -
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
114
BAR. 2006-07: Paris - Senior Executive Decision
~~rf~{f~i:~C~~~i~o~n~-----------------------------------------------
()
Looally engaged staff
S22(1~: ," _'~'----__
6.
The Semor Executive ;nas di:r'ected a reduction in permanent local staff
{r.-\. numbers
from the current FTE adjusted 1i.n:Ut of 28.5 (ie net of guards, CLO
,-:-...J
to
.and interns) by at least five FTE over the next two years 23.5 (including
.OEeD jUNESCO). Post sh':lUld aim to achieve this through nonnal restructuring
and natural attrttion processes so that no additional redundancy or disputation
costs are incurred.
fui(17~0~:
\ ..~.
_______________
.S22(11(~ .. ~
I'~'
:
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
Page 10f5
115
/\
\.~
o
Page 2 ofS
._.. _----_._- ........ _.----
--
.---_...-. -.. - - - - - - -
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
;~'L _.:-.:,---------=...:....:,=-=~_=_::.==__=_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _1116
S22( 1 (a)(ii)
o
Page 3 of5
STAFF IN CONFIDENCE
117
----~~~~-----Jl
19.
A summary of Senior Executive decisions is as follows:
d)
1he LES establishment be reduced by at least five F'l'E over the next two
years to 3;1..5 ('Without guards this :is a net FIE limit of 23,5);
S-22"(1)( a)(il);
r----- --_ .
j)
The post to be su.pplemented by $788,000 in 2006·07 and $230,000 in
2007-08. The post is permitted to brlng forward a CCF bid for social
security supplementation when the issue and funding requirement is clear,
for any volw.l.tary redundancy costs which exceed accruals and for any legal
disp:ute costs which may mise.
Pa.e4of5

legal in confidence - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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