The Case

Renee Royall v Aussie Kids Pty Ltd (2022)

Aussie Kids Pty Ltd employed Ms Royall as a casual early childhood educator. On 20 May 2022, Ms Perera emailed staff expressing disappointment in the high rate of staff absenteeism, and requested staff only take time off for a genuine reason.

Ms Royall publicly responded to this email pointing out that certain staff had a valid reason for their absence; that staff should be commended for their efforts, not criticised; and that staff had done nothing wrong.

Aussie Kids thereafter reprimanded Ms Royall, cancelled all her rostered casual shifts and deactivated her access to the workplace app. When Ms Royall contacted Aussie Kids, she received no response. Ms Royall commenced unfair dismissal proceedings in the Fair Work Commission (FWC).