the Applicant v Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Citation: [2026] FWC 3155
At a glance
- Employees affected
- 12
What happened
the Applicant was employed as a deputy director at the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA), covered by the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2024. In November 2025, the SRLA decided to abolish the Strategy and Policy Division, making 12 positions redundant, including the Applicant’s. He received a gross termination payment of $233,541.79, including redundancy pay and an early separation incentive. the Applicant challenged the redundancy, claiming his role continued and he should have been redeployed. the SRLA argued it was a genuine redundancy.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission dismissed the Applicant’s unfair dismissal claim. The Commission found the SRLA no longer required his job due to changes in operational requirements and that the abolition of the Strategy and Policy Division constituted a genuine redundancy. The Commission rejected the Applicant’s arguments that his role continued and that he should have been redeployed, noting the creation of a new, different role.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure redundancy decisions are genuinely based on operational needs and not a way to avoid other obligations. Thorough consultation and clear communication regarding role changes and redeployment opportunities are vital. Documenting the rationale for redundancy decisions is also important.
What it means for employees
Employees facing redundancy should carefully review the reasons provided and consider whether the role genuinely ceased to exist. Seeking legal advice and participating in consultation processes are important steps to protect your rights.
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This summary was drafted from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections