Sydney Trains v Goodsell [2024] FWCFB 401 (first instance: Goodsell v Sydney Trains [2023] FWC 3209)
Summary in review
Summary in review — this entry is being checked against the published decision text before the full summary ships. The citation and outcome are correct; treat the summary as provisional.
What happened
Rail worker, positive cannabis test; first instance weighed the employer’s failure to explain its zero-tolerance stance and found for the worker.
What it stands for
The live frontier: how far a valid reason can be outweighed by process failures and harshness. Full Bench treatment being verified before we publish the holding.
Not legal advice. This page explains the law in general terms as at the “last verified” date shown. If you have been stood down or dismissed, or need to make a decision that depends on the law, speak to an employment lawyer — small differences in circumstances change outcomes, and the 21-day unfair dismissal deadline does not wait.