Senior Woolworths Executive Alleges 100-Hour Weeks, Hospitalisation and Discrimination After Cancer Diagnosis

Incident Overview

A senior Woolworths Group executive has filed a claim in the Federal Court alleging she suffered extreme overwork, repeated hospitalisations, and discrimination following a cancer diagnosis between 2019 and 2022. Miwah Van, the group’s Chief Growth Officer, claims she worked 86–100 hour weeks for years, resulting in multiple health crises including suspected stroke and temporary vision loss, before being diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in March 2022 at age 39.

Van alleges that after her cancer diagnosis and surgery, Woolworths withdrew a promised promotion to Chief Transformation Officer, reduced her responsibilities, and continued to subject her to excessive workloads while she underwent chemotherapy. The matter is listed for case management in the Federal Court on 28 November 2025, with Woolworths defending the claim.

Site and Time

The alleged conduct occurred at Woolworths Group offices across the period 2019 to 2022, with the most acute health impacts and alleged discrimination occurring in early 2023 during Van’s chemotherapy treatment.

Persons Involved

Claimant

• Miwah Van, Chief Growth Officer, Woolworths Group; diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in March 2022 at age 39

Named respondent

• Woolworths Group Limited; former CEO Brad Banducci (now CEO of TEG/Ticketek, departed September 2024)

Alleged Workload and Health Impacts

Work hours

• Average 86.5 hours per week from 2019 to 2021; many weeks exceeded 100 hours
• During chemotherapy in early 2023, five consecutive weeks averaged over 107 hours

Health presentations

• Multiple hospital admissions for severe swelling, temporary loss of vision, and suspected mild stroke prior to cancer diagnosis
• Three-day hospitalisation in 2023 due to serious complications while undergoing chemotherapy and excessive work

Injuries / Fatalities

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• HER2-positive breast cancer diagnosis (March 2022); multiple hospitalisations; alleged psychological, economic and physical harm from workplace discrimination and continued overwork during treatment

Alleged Discrimination and Career Impact

Van alleges that shortly after undergoing cancer surgery, Woolworths withdrew a promised promotion to Chief Transformation Officer, a role she had been assured was a pathway to future CEO consideration. According to her legal team, former CEO Brad Banducci told her the cancer diagnosis was “awkward” and instructed her to “behave appropriately.” Despite chemotherapy, Van claims she was removed from key executive forums, forced to attend meetings remotely, sidelined from strategic discussions, and continued to absorb the workloads of others while losing staff support.

Investigation Underway

The matter is before the Federal Court of Australia. A case management hearing is scheduled for 28 November 2025. Woolworths has confirmed it is defending the claim but has not yet filed its defence. Legal experts note the case may test the boundaries of disability discrimination law in Australia, particularly concerning chronic illness, excessive workloads, and employer obligations to provide safe, reasonable adjustments for senior staff.

In Summary

This matter is currently before the Federal Court. Persons with relevant information regarding workplace practices, workload management, or treatment of employees during health crises at Woolworths Group are encouraged to contact their legal representative or the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for guidance on workplace rights and obligations.