the Applicant v The Trustee for BODA Malvern Unit Trust
At a glance
- 12
What happened
the Applicant was dismissed from her role as Salon Manager at Hair Boutique Richmond on February 5, 2026, due to performance concerns. She initiated an unfair dismissal claim seeking compensation. the Trustee for BODA Malvern Unit Trust raised jurisdictional objections regarding the minimum employment period and compliance with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. the Applicant started her full-time position on July 8, 2025. The respondent operates two salons: Hair Boutique Richmond and Hair Boutique Moonee Ponds.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission has dismissed the Applicant’s unfair dismissal application due to a jurisdictional objection. The Commission found that the Trustee for BODA Malvern Unit Trust was a small business employer, meaning the Applicant had not met the required minimum employment period of twelve months at the time of her dismissal. The claim was rejected without considering the merits of the unfair dismissal.
What it means for employers
Employers should accurately calculate their employee numbers when determining if they qualify as a 'small business' for Fair Work purposes. Failing to do so can impact jurisdictional objections in unfair dismissal claims. Associated entities must be considered when calculating employee numbers.
What it means for employees
Employees need to be aware of the minimum employment period requirements before lodging an unfair dismissal claim, which is longer for small businesses than other employers. The length of service impacts whether a case will even be heard by the Fair Work Commission.
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