LAWYERS for the University of New England have asked for specific details relating to a claim of wrongful dismissal made by former chief operations officer David Cushway.
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Mr Cushway is suing UNE for up to $1 million in the federal court, alleging he was bullied and harassed during his time in the role.
He claims he was bullied by UNE’s chief financial officer Michelle Clarke and frozen out of his role by chief legal officer Brendan Peet.
It is alleged when Annabelle Duncan stepped up as vice-chancellor she made Mr Cushway’s position redundant during a restructure without consulting the UNE Council.
Mr Cushway was 13 months into a five year contract when he was made redundant in April.
The Fair Work Commission unsuccessfully tried to resolve the dispute in June.
Senior associate of Thomson Greer Lawyers Jonathon Corlett wrote to Mr Cushway’s lawyer Russ Baldwin asking him to further clarify the allegations in the statement of claim filed in July.
In the five page letter Mr Corlett asks for more details about each of the allegations and how they fall within the definition of the Fair Work Act and common law.
In relation to the alleged bullying by Ms Clarke, the letter asks to “state the grounds upon which this allegation is made, identifying each of the alleged acts or omissions of [Ms] Clarke on which the Applicant [Mr Cushway] will relay; and … the grounds upon which it is alleged that the conduct identified … amounted to bullying and harassment”.
Mr Corlett also asks how Mr Cushway’s duties were allegedly obstructed by the suggested interference.
The matter will return before Justice Melissa Perry next month.
UNE has said it would make no comment while the matter was before the court.
