Delpachitra v University of Technology Sydney
At a glance
- 1
What happened
Sarath Delpachitra sought leave to file a second further amended statement of claim. His original employment contract was with the University of Technology Sydney for a position in Shanghai, China at the SHU-UTS Business School. He brought claims under the Racial Discrimination Act, Age Discrimination Act, and Fair Work Act, alleging discriminatory non-renewal of his employment contract.
What was decided
Justice O'Sullivan refused leave to file the second further amended statement of claim. The Court found the pleading remained ambiguous in critical paragraphs, particularly regarding how alleged breaches of discrimination laws related to the accompanying factual allegations. The applicant had already had multiple opportunities to properly plead his case following a previous strike-out decision.
What it means for employers
This decision is procedural. Pleadings must clearly articulate the relationship between facts and alleged legal breaches.
What it means for employees
Applicants must clearly and concisely plead discrimination claims linking facts to specific statutory contraventions. Repeated failure to properly plead may result in dismissal.
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