Fair Work Commission Overturns Termination
A FIFO worker has secured compensation after being unfairly sacked from a Western Australian gold mine. Jamie-Lee Corless-Crane worked as a pit technician for Aurenne Management Services. She faced termination following an incident involving 54 ounces of gold. The gold was mistakenly sent to waste rather than processed, triggering an internal investigation.
Incident Occurred at Mt Ida Mine Site
Corless-Crane worked at the Mt Ida mine near Menzies. The event occurred during her night shift on January 7. During a pre-shift meeting, staff received an outdated map showing excavator locations. Corless-Crane followed this map during her duties. An operator contacted her, saying he was near a block containing ore. She consulted him, and they agreed on the location.
Corless-Crane worked at the Mt Ida mine near Menzies
Errors Stemmed From Day Shift Crew
Corless-Crane stated that poor lighting affected her judgement. The GPS system on the machinery had failed. The area had incorrect markings, and she relied on an operator’s opinion. The Fair Work Commission found that the ore was mined during the day. The mistake started before her shift began. Her night shift lacked direct supervision.
Gold Worth $200,000 Misclassified
Aurenne claimed she failed to check her documents properly. They accused her of continuing work without escalation. The lost ore was valued at approximately $200,000. She received a termination letter two weeks later. The company said she failed to control the activity. They said she didn’t identify that the operator worked outside the flitch plans.
Corless-Crane Responds to Allegations
Corless-Crane said her documents were inaccurate. She claimed she acted in good faith using the map provided. She noted that the supervisor was unavailable at night. She said the block matched the map markings she received. She argued that as the least experienced staff member, responsibility should not fall on her.
Fair Work Finds in Her Favour
She filed for unfair dismissal with the Fair Work Commission. The Commission reviewed the documents and witness submissions. It found more experienced colleagues had handed her incorrect paperwork. It ruled the day shift missed multiple chances to detect the error. The Commission said she was the last point in a chain of systemic failures.
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More Senior Staff Escaped Sanctions
None of the senior staff involved were dismissed. One employee received only a written warning. Others avoided any disciplinary measures. The Commission criticised the unequal treatment. It ruled that there was no valid reason for her termination.
Compensation Awarded to Worker
Deputy President Melanie Binet handed down the ruling. She awarded Corless-Crane 16 weeks of pay as compensation. The amount excluded damages for distress or humiliation. Based on her $100,000 annual salary, her compensation may reach $30,769. Corless-Crane said the dismissal affected her ability to find new work. As a single mother, she faced challenges completing necessary medical tests and training.
Employment Hard to Secure Post-Termination
She previously worked as a DJ and hairdresser. She told the Commission those jobs didn’t provide enough income. She feared losing her home if she remained unemployed past June. She told the Commission she continued to apply for FIFO roles across Western Australia and Queensland without success. Corless-Crane highlighted the financial pressure caused by prolonged unemployment and explained she had sold personal belongings to meet essential expenses. The Commission accepted her submissions. It stated she had suffered financial strain since her dismissal.
Ruling Reinforces Accountability Standards
The case underscores the importance of procedural fairness in mining operations. The Commission stressed that experienced personnel should shoulder appropriate responsibility. The ruling stands as a reminder that correct documentation and communication remain critical. Corless-Crane’s win highlights the impact of mismanaged oversight on workers’ livelihoods.
