Social activist Sally Rugg and her boss, independent MP Dr Monique Ryan, will continue robust negotiations in a bid to settle their high-profile court case over parliamentary working hours.
The pair were given two more weeks to reach a resolution after the Federal Court heard lawyers remained confident of reaching a mediated outcome.
Rugg arrives at the Federal Court with her legal team on Friday.Credit:Justin McManus
Rugg, the former head of Change.org and campaign director with GetUp! who came to prominence as a political activist during the same-sex marriage debate, joined Ryan’s office shortly after last year’s federal election.
But she fell out with her boss over work demands. Court documents lodged last month alleged Rugg was dismissed from her job for exercising her right to refuse to work unreasonable, additional hours.
Although her employer is technically the Commonwealth, her dispute is with Ryan, whom she describes as the “principal actor” in forcing her out of her job.
On Friday, barrister Nick Harrington, who is representing the Commonwealth, said the parties had engaged in four hours of robust mediation on Thursday where “everything was touched upon”.
Ryan arriving at Friday’s hearing.Credit:Justin McManus
Government solicitors proposed negotiations continue for another fortnight. Harrington said he was optimistic the matter would be finalised at that hearing.
Harrington said Rugg attended Thursday’s negotiations in person, while Ryan was represented by multiple lawyers as she was in parliament.
“Terrain remains available for parties to further explore the issues,” Harrington said.
Justice Debra Mortimer granted the adjournment, but warned an open court hearing would have to go ahead if the parties could not agree on terms by March 3.
“It won’t be put off again. That’s a month of negotiations and that should be adequate,” Mortimer said.
She ordered documentation, including affidavits and submissions by both parties, remain confidential until at least that date, reminding the public they would not be made available until read out and relied upon in open court.
“The court understands this may be frustrating. But it’s the usual practice,” Mortimer said.
“Until Ms Rugg’s application is called on for a full hearing … affidavits and submissions will not be made available for third parties.
“It’s in the interests of the administration of justice to allow the parties to continue to negotiate in a confidential manner, without the documents in the public domain.”
Rugg will continue to be paid during the mediation process.
The matter is scheduled to return to the Federal Court on March 3.
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