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ArticlesEmployment Law

Drug Policies in the Workplace: Sydney Trains v Goodsell (2024)

The recent Full Bench decision of the Fair Work Commission in Sydney Trains v Reece Goodsell [2024][1] considers the dismissal of an employee for breaching a zero-tolerance drug policy, despite no evidence of impairment while on duty.  The case was an unsuccessful appeal of an earlier 2023 decision[2].

The case highlights the need to balance strict policy enforcement with fairness to employees, including proper consideration of mitigating factors before making termination decisions.

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The way you represented us, your professionalism, and support was excellent. I was really impressed with the way you spoke to the judge about the accident details and how you turned the case around. We understand both parties were at fault, but without having you in our corner the result would have been a lot different. It was a very stressful situation for us both, and the support you gave us is something we will remember. Thank you so very much.

DAVID

Dianne has been an incredible help through my separation and I really appreciate all the work she has done, her approach to it all and her high level of knowledge.

A.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your help and expertise in helping me out on my situation. You all have been very professional and easy to talk to, putting my mind at rest. I can’t recommend you and your services enough. Thank you HHG.

Anonymous.

We are delighted and more than satisfied with the service provided by Aimee at HHG Mandurah.

Ours was a complex estate transaction that I was a little nervous about. I needn’t have worried. Aimee explained the complexities of the process with great clarity with the fee structures being totally transparent and clearly itemised. I will be forever grateful to Aimee and the HHG staff for their professionalism and competence.

We could rest easy knowing we were in safe hands.

Grant.

Thank you so so very much from the bottom of our hearts for all that you and your team have done Aimee.

Can’t say I am not relieved to not see an email from you but I will be in touch soon to sort our wills out. Lesson learned on that part!

Kerrilee.

Thank you so much for all you have done to assist us through this very complex journey, Aimee. 

You made this process so much easier for us to navigate, especially with all of the really complicated legal requirements. You genuinely took some pressure off us when life was happening around us.

Candice.

I’d like to thank all that were involved in my case, especially Lisa, she did a top job and I will never be able to thank her enough.  It is much appreciated and thanks again.

ANONYMOUS

“I highly recommend HHG Legal Group. Lisa Riley has provided the best legal advice.”

ANONYMOUS

“We are extremely pleased that Lisa Riley was recommended to us.  Lisa was very upfront with us as regards possible outcomes, kept us informed along the way, and successfully achieved the best possible outcome.  She was dogged in her pursuit of justice and we found her to be honest, helpful, caring, diligent, and very professional in all our dealings with her.

We would strongly recommend her (and her support team at HHG) to anyone needing to engage a top-quality criminal lawyer.”

WILLIAM AND HEATHER

Lisa Riley, I would like to thank you for all your help and support through this difficult and disappointing period in my life.

Your professionalism and supportive nature have been a welcome change and Alison and I are very appreciative of this, HHG is very lucky to have someone of your expertise and dedication working for them and we both can’t speak highly enough of you, I will be forever grateful to you and your company for all your help and kindness, I would highly recommend you and HHG to everyone who needs competent and professional legal representation.

Once again thank you so much.

ANONYMOUS