STEPHAN v PACESETTER CLEANING SERVICES PTY LTD AND ANOR [1995] NSWCA 455

STEPHAN v PACESETTER CLEANING SERVICES PTY LTD AND ANOR [1995] NSWCA 455

Based on the totality of evidence, it was inferred that a contract of service existed between the appellant and the company as of the relevant period, despite absence of written agreement or salary; accordingly, the appellant was a worker under the Workers Compensation Act 1987.

Parties
Appellant: Greg Stephan; Respondent: Pacesetter Cleaning Services Pty Ltd; Respondent: WorkCover Authority of New South Wales
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
28 July 1995
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Decision on Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Contract of Service, Corporate Employment, Injury Compensation, Worker Status

Case Brief

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Parties

Greg Stephan

Appellant

Pacesetter Cleaning Services Pty Ltd

Respondent

WorkCover Authority of New South Wales

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Decision on Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the appellant was employed by the company as a 'worker' within the meaning of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 at the time of the injury
  2. 2 Whether a contract of service existed between the appellant and the company

Ratio Decidendi

Based on the totality of evidence, it was inferred that a contract of service existed between the appellant and the company as of the relevant period, despite absence of written agreement or salary; accordingly, the appellant was a worker under the Workers Compensation Act 1987.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Award of the Compensation Court of New South Wales (Judge Thompson) set aside
  • Proceedings remitted to the Compensation Court for determination of remaining issues