James*, a 64-year-old man living in a rural area west of Cairns, lost his job and his employer-provided housing after he sustained a workplace injury.
The Cairns Community Legal Centre assisted James to file for reinstatement with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and then connected James with Queensland Pubilc Interest Clearing House’s Referral Service.
K&L Gates and Donna Callaghan of Counsel provided James with ongoing assistance leading up to the hearing. The Referral Service then arranged for one of its regional firm, Wettenhall Silva Solicitors to instruct Donna Callaghan at the hearing of the matter in Cairns. Queensland Pubilc Interest Clearing House’s disbursement fund paid for Ms Callaghan’s flights and accommodation so she could attend the hearing.
The Commission found that the termination of James’ employment was invalid and ordered that he be reinstated to his former position and receive back pay from the time his employment was terminated.
James was very happy with the outcome. “Without people like you, the likes of me would just get stood on…Donna was outstanding, she did a fantastic job in Cairns, I couldn’t ask for any better representation, she was absolutely brilliant.”
*not his real name