NSW: ABC had right to recall correspondent: Commission

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2001
NSW: ABC had right to recall correspondent: Commission

A foreign correspondent who was recalled from Moscow by her employer has lost her unfair
contract case in the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission.

ABC journalist IRRIS MAKLER has argued that it was unfair of the corporation to withdraw
her from her position as Moscow correspondent for a job in Sydney.

Ms MAKLER submitted that letters between herself and the ABC outlining the terms and
conditions of employment didn't constitute a formal contract as defined by the 1983 ABC
Act.

She sought to remain in Moscow or place additional conditions on her employment if
she was recalled.

But commissioner Justice LEONE GLYNN found the letters comprised a determination of
employment terms and conditions that gave the ABC the authority to recall Ms MAKLER.

She said the commission didn't have the jurisdiction to override the Commonwealth ABC Act.

Justice GLYNN dismissed the notice of motion brought by Ms MAKLER and ordered both
parties to confer on costs and return to the commission if agreement couldn't be reached.

AAP RTV jh/jjs/klw/hn/

KEYWORD: MAKLER (SYDNEY)

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