Veterinarian Dr. Emma Elizabeth Johnson (Zemmaline) lodged a dispute with Fair Work against the Whyalla Veterinary Clinic (Castleford Pty. Ltd.). The details of the case are as follows:
Dr. Johnson filed an “Application – Money Claim” (Case: ET-24-00515) with the South Australian Employment Tribunal on February 8, 2024, and an “Application – Pecuniary Penalty” (Case: ET-24-00544) on February 9, 2024.
Dr. Johnson worked as a small animal veterinarian at the Whyalla Veterinary Clinic from August 2023 to January 2024, completing 13 weeks of work over a schedule of three days per week. She alleged that she was underpaid, not fairly compensated for travel, had shifts unfairly canceled, and was not provided with paid holiday, carers leave, or superannuation.
Dr. Johnson commuted from Port Lincoln to Whyalla in a large four-wheel-drive vehicle and was reimbursed $150 per trip for fuel. She felt this amount was insufficient and a dispute arose because the clinic management did not agree that her receipts justified a higher reimbursement.
On January 3, 2024, Dr. Johnson informed the clinic management that she would not continue working there after early February 2024, citing the fuel reimbursement issue as a major reason. She also messaged the clinic staff that she was “navigating her dismissal” and provided links detailing their entitlements.
On January 15, 2024, Dr. Johnson informed the clinic management that she was unwell and expected to need at least two weeks in bed, followed by a full recovery time of 6-8 weeks without lifting. Consequently, no work was scheduled for her in early February. However, in early February, Dr. Johnson presented a medical certificate stating she was fit to work provided she did not lift anything over 10kg and indicated she wanted to work. Since no work had been arranged, the clinic was unable to offer her any.
Dr. Johnson described the case as very complex and believed there were multiple serious contraventions warranting a pecuniary penalty. She requested the South Australian Employment Tribunal to impose penalties, emphasizing that the primary objective should be deterrence rather than retribution.
Ultimately, Dr. Johnson accepted a payout of $7,500 to settle both cases (ET-24-00515 and ET-24-00544) against the Whyalla Veterinary Clinic
