Michael Christian, one of the presenters in the 2013 tragic prank that led to the suicide of nurse Jacintha Saldanha, is taking his former employer to court in a Fair Work action.

Christian was made redundant from Southern Cross Austereo in February this year and is taking the action because he claims the company did not support him as promised and made him redundant in a way that was against the provisions of the Fair Work Act.

Michael Christian’s lawyers, Clayton Utz, filed an application under the Fair Work Act on June 30th, “alleging Dismissal in Contravention of a General Protection.”

The first case management hearing is set down for 1st August.

Christian’s statement of claim is based on a promise by Southern Cross Austereo at the time to support him and help restore his reputation. He remained with the company and did not speak about the event except in circumstances arranged by SCA. Christian claims he was “gradually marginalised” and that his redundancy was not genuine because SCA still requires his former role to be performed.

The other presenter, Mel Greig, left the company, spoke publicly about the case on several occasions and offered an apology to Nurse Saldanha’s family.

Both presenters were harassed and abused in the ensuing media storm that followed. Court actions and investigations were held in Australia and the UK concerning the circumstances of Nurse Saldanha’s death.

Lawyers for Michael Christian are seeking penalties and compensation for economic loss and damage in the Federal Court.

A spokesperson for Southern Cross Austereo has told radioinfo:

“As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”

Nursing students light candles in front of a poster depicting nurse Jacintha Saldanha, 2012, Reuters