Gavin Morris, former Yipirinya principal fighting assault charges, has unfair dismissal claim ceased

The principal – who is also fighting assault charges – filed the claim last year, but ‘circumstances’ around the claim have led to it being dismissed. Find out more

Former Yipirinya School Principal Gavin Morris at Yipirinya School, Alice Springs, on June 28, 2024. Picture: Gera Kazakov

A former Alice Springs principal – who is also fighting unrelated assault charges – has had his unfair dismissal bid against his former employer ceased due to his own inaction, the deputy president behind the decision says.

Former Yipirinya School principal Gavin Morris, 46, filed the unfair dismissal claim against his former employer on December 2 last year.

Former Yipirinya School principal Gavin Morris leaves the Alice Springs Local Court with his lawyer Luke Officer in August 2024. Picture: Liam Mendes

But on April 15, Fair Work Commission deputy president Abbey Beaumont dismissed the application.

In her published decision on the matter, Ms Beaumont said multiple attempts had been made to contact Mr Morris in relation to his application, but he had not responded.

Following his unfair dismissal application, a telephone conciliation was due to be held on the matter on February 17, Ms Beaumont’s decision said.

Mr Morris did not attend the conciliation, Ms Beaumont said, despite receiving reminders of it via text.

Further attempts were then made by the Commission to contact Mr Morris in relation to his application on February 17, February 27, and March 19, Ms Beaumont said.

Former Yipirinya School Principal Gavin Morris. Picture: File

In light of this, Mr Morris was put “on notice” via email that the Commission was considering dismissing his application, Ms Beaumont said.

“The Applicant has not responded to the Commission’s correspondence,” Ms Beaumont’s decision said.

Ms Beaumont was “satisfied” Mr Morris “has had the opportunity to put a case for consideration on all matters”.

But she dismissed his application, citing the “circumstances” as to why.

The dismissal of Mr Morris’s unfair dismissal claim comes as he is still before the courts fighting charges of aggravated assault.

He was charged with five counts of aggravated assault last year, with the alleged assaults reportedly taking place in 2023.

Mr Morris was stood down from Yipirinya School with full pay in the wake of the charges, however, he is now no longer employed at the school.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with a hearing on the matter set to take place in September this year.

The former principal also once stood on the Alice Springs Town Council, until he resigned at the March 25 ordinary council meeting.

Mr Morris was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Gavin Morris, former Yipirinya principal fighting assault charges, has unfair dismissal claim ceased