ODCO Legal Authority

This case was the first application made under the Queensland IR Act's new s275 which provides for classes of workers to be deemed as employees. The case was vigorously fought and the contractors working through Hammonds (which trades as Troubleshooters Available in the shearing industry) were not deemed.

The Full Bench of the Commission handed down its decision on 15 November 2000, dismissing the union's application. The Full Bench found the shearers were contractors who were not unfairly treated.