Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated from their job in a way that is considered harsh, unjust, or unreasonable. In Australia, the Fair Work Act 2009 provides guidelines on what constitutes unfair dismissal, and it protects employees from being dismissed without a valid reason.

To determine if you were unfairly dismissed, consider the following points:

• Reason for Dismissal: Was there a valid reason for your dismissal? Valid reasons typically include misconduct, poor performance, or redundancy. If the reason seems vague or unjustified, it may be unfair.

• Process Followed: Did your employer follow a fair process before dismissing you? This includes providing you with a chance to respond to any allegations against you and giving you a warning if applicable.

• Length of Employment: Generally, you must have been employed for at least 6 months (or 12 months for small businesses) to claim unfair dismissal.

• Employment Type: Were you a permanent employee, or were you on a fixed-term contract or casual basis? Casual employees may have different rights regarding unfair dismissal.

• Impact of Dismissal: Did the dismissal cause you significant hardship? If the dismissal has severely impacted your financial situation or mental health, it may strengthen your case.

If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, you can take the following steps:

• Seek Advice: Contact a workplace advisor, union representative, or legal professional for guidance.

• File a Claim: You can lodge an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of your dismissal.

• Gather Evidence: Collect any relevant documents, emails, or witness statements that support your case.

For more detailed information, you might want to check the Fair Work Commission's website or other resources that provide guidance on unfair dismissal claims. If you need specific information or resources, let me know, and I can help you find them!

Would you like me to look up the relevant Fair Work Act provisions and try to formulate a legal position? It won't be legal advice, but it will be a good starting point for you to understand your rights and options.