In this decision, the Full Bench considered the purpose of a hearing for ‘speaking to the minutes.’
In their earlier reasons for decision in the matter FBA 9/2024, the Full Bench dismissed the appeal made by the appellant, who had been dismissed from her role as a teacher. Being a final decision, the order of dismissal was in the form of minutes of proposed order. The parties were entitled to speak to the matters contained in these minutes to ensure the order was consistent with the Commission’s reasons, but not to reargue the case, raise further matters or argue the decision of the Full Bench were wrong.
Despite being advised of the purpose of speaking, the appellant filed a document to reargue her appeal and contend that some aspects of the decision of the Full Bench were erroneous.
The Full Bench explained that the speaking to the minutes was not an opportunity to reargue the appeal or take issue with the decision because the appellant disagreed with it.
The decision can be read here.