Catchwords:

INDUSTRIAL LAW – adverse action – appeal and cross-appeal from two decisions of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia – whether respondent was dismissed in contravention of s 340(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the “FW Act”) – whether respondent was “able to make” a complaint or inquiry – whether penalties imposed were manifestly excessive – appeal and cross-appeal both upheld in part

CONTRACTS – employment contract – cross appeal against finding that contract of employment was not breached – whether absence from duty triggered an entitlement to summarily terminate – whether employee was absent for a valid reason – whether absence was waived or condoned, or otherwise consented to – whether employee was entitled to damages for breach of contract – no breach of contract – cross-appeal dismissed in part

COMPENSATION – whether statutory compensation awarded was sufficient or excessive – whether judge below erred in awarding compensation in an amount equal to a prior offer that was rejected – whether compensation should be assessed as the value of the remaining contract period – cross-appeal dismissed