Sally Rugg alleges ‘systematic’ breach of labour standards after mediation with Monique Ryan fails

Independent MP has rejected the claim but Rugg’s lawyers say it could be a test case that has implications for other white-collar employees

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Sally Rugg has upped the ante in her litigation against the commonwealth and independent MP Monique Ryan, warning she will add a claim of “serious contravention” by the commonwealth for the “knowing and systematic” breach of labour standards.

Rugg’s lawyers, Maurice Blackburn, revealed the aggressive legal strategy in a statement on Thursday, after mediation failed to resolve the dispute between the MP, her chief of staff and the commonwealth, which employs parliamentary staff.

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