A Brisbane deckhand with a genetic clotting disorder lost her unfair dismissal claim after being fired for prolonged absences despite medical recommendations.

A Brisbane CityCat deckhand dismissed in mid-2025 after 114 days off work due to recurring blood clots has lost her unfair dismissal claim at the Fair Work Commission. The worker, employed since 2008, had a genetic clotting disorder and was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis in 2024, requiring medical treatment and surgery delayed by insurance issues. Despite recommendations for modified hours, her employer, Rivercity Ferries, cited inconsistent medical advice, long absences, and the physical demands of the job—requiring prolonged standing and movement—as reasons for termination. An independent medical assessment confirmed her condition made extended shifts difficult. The commission ruled the dismissal was not harsh, unjust, or unreasonable, noting the employer’s concerns about safety and operational reliability.