Daunis took the ferry company to court, arguing to the Fair Work Commission that she suffered long-term health issues<\/a>, including deep vein thrombosis and a genetic clotting disorder.<\/p>\n Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n But her court fight to save her job failed this week, with the commission upholding the dismissal.<\/p>\n The court was told Daunis first developed DVT in 2012, but in April 2024 she experienced recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis, which causes blood clots in veins under the skin.<\/p>\n Her doctor advised 12 weeks off to fully recover.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried taking a day off and coming back. Dr Hagley wanted me to have three months off to fully heal the clots,\u201d Daunis told the commission.<\/p>\n She hoped lighter duties or staged shifts could allow her to return safely, particularly while waiting for a planned surgical procedure.<\/p>\n But Rivercity Ferries, operated under ASX-listed Kelsian Group, argued temporary adjustments were not feasible as full-time staff were rostered for long shifts standing on vessels, and shorter or modified shifts would have disrupted operations.<\/p>\n \u201cFull-time staff are allocated a roster line … bringing more people into that roster line is impractical and would require the employment of additional casual employees at additional costs,\u201d General Manager Paul Rigby told the Commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the 12 months leading up to April 2025, Daunis was absent for 114 days due to her illness.<\/p>\n Her union, the Maritime Union of Australia, argued reasonable adjustments could have allowed her to return to duties safely, but the Commission reviewed extensive medical evidence, including reports from independent specialists, and found there was no conclusive proof Daunis could return to full duties in the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen all of the considerations are taken into account \u2026 the dismissal was not harsh, unjust or unreasonable and therefore not unfair,\u201d Commissioner Simpson said.<\/p>\n \u201cI accept, taking into account the nature of the working arrangements, and the impact on other staff, and cost to the respondent (Kelsian Group) in making accommodations as proposed for Ms Daunis that they are not practical or reasonable in this case and that there was no reasonable adjustment that could have been made to Ms Daunis role to accommodate her current or future incapacity given the nature of her role.\u201d<\/p>\n Daunis received notice pay and a further week\u2019s pay in lieu of notice.<\/p>\n Post-termination medical reports indicated she has since been cleared to return to full duties.<\/p>\n The Maritime Union of Australia declined to comment, while Kelsian Group did not respond to requests for a statement.<\/p>\n![\"Daunis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/553ce10f26cea659956ca8113c414424833d4ce4.jpg\")
Daunis worked on the iconic Brisbane CityCat ferries from 2008 to 2025. Credit: AAP<\/p>\n