Attorney-General (Qld) v Smith [2025] QSC 188
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General (Qld) v Smith [2025] QSC 188
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
STUART MCKAY SMITH
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: BS 87 of 2017
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Supreme Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: 15 August 2025
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 22 July 2025
JUDGE: Muir J
ORDERS: The court, being satisfied to the requisite standard that the
respondent, Stuart McKay Smith, has contravened the
supervision order of Boddice J made on 19 June 2017,
orders that:
1. The respondent be released from custody and
continue to be subject to the supervision order.
2. Pursuant to s 22(7)(b) of the Dangerous Prisoners
(Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld), the period of the
supervision order made by Boddice J on 19 June
2017 (as amended in accordance with the
declaration of Muir J made on 5 December 2023) be
amended by omitting the date “29 August 2027”
and inserting the date “29 August 2029”.
3. The application filed 14 January 2025 is dismissed.
CATCHWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING ORDERS
– ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING TO
SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS SEXUAL
OFFENDERS – GENERALLY – where the respondent is a
59-year-old man with a history of sexual offending against
children – where the respondent is subject to a supervision
order under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act
2003 (Qld) (the Act) – where the respondent is alleged to have
contravened the supervision order by failing to provide urine
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samples as directed (the first contravention) – where the
respondent is also alleged to have contravened the supervision
order by failing to provide urine samples, attend scheduled
reporting, and comply with a curfew (the second
contravention) – where the respondent was convicted and
sentenced for the second contravention – where the second
contravention is conceded by the respondent but the first is not
– whether the first contravention is proved to the requisite
standard
CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING ORDERS
– ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING TO
SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS SEXUAL
OFFENDERS – GENERALLY – where the applicant accepts
that the respondent has discharged the onus of proving that the
adequate protection of the community can be ensured by re-
releasing the respondent to the supervision order – where the
applicant seeks for the existing supervision order to be
extended for a further five years – whether the adequate
protection of the community requires the existing supervision
order be extended for five years, or some other period
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) s 13,
s 13A, s 21, s 22
Attorney-General (Qld) v Buckley (No 2) [2022] QSC 88,
considered
Attorney-General (Qld) v Foy [2005] QSC 001, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith [2021]
QSC 257, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Francis [2007]
1 Qd R 396, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019] 3
Qd R 329, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019]
QSC 44, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson
[2017] QSC 332, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson
[2020] QSC 287, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Thaiday
[2021] QSC 227, considered
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Tiers [2020]
QSC 135, cited
Attorney-General v Van Dessell [2007] 2 Qd R 1, cited
Bickle v Attorney-General for the State of Queensland [2016]
2 Qd R 523, considered
Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172, cited
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3
Van de Wetering v Attorney-General (Qld) [2024] QCA 222,
considered
COUNSEL:
SOLICITORS:
R Berry for the applicant
B McKenzie for the respondent
Crown Law for the applicant
Horgan Criminal Lawyers for the respondent
Introduction
[1] The respondent, Stuart McKay Smith, is a 59-year-old man who is currently subject
to a supervision order made on 19 June 2017 under s 22 of the Dangerous Prisoners
(Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) (the Act).1 That order will expire on 29 August
2027.2
[2] The applicant, the Attorney-General for the State of Queensland, has filed two
applications in relation to alleged contraventions of the conditions of the supervision
order by the respondent. The first contravention is said to have occurred between
4 January 2025 and 7 January 2025, and the second between 22 January 2025 and
4 February 2025. The contraventions variously relate to the respondent’s alleged
failure to provide urine samples as directed, to attend scheduled reporting, and to
comply with a curfew. The respondent was convicted and sentenced for the second
contravention earlier this year. That contravention is admitted by him, but the first is
not.
[3] The applicant acknowledges that even if both sets of contraventions are proved, the
evidence supports a finding that the court can be satisfied on the balance of
probabilities that the adequate safety of the community can, despite the respondent’s
contraventions, be ensured by his release to a supervision order.3 But in doing so, the
applicant maintains that the existing supervision order should be amended to extend
the period of the order for a further five years – that is, until 29 August 2032.
[4] The respondent submits that the onus on him has been met and that the current
duration of the supervision order is sufficient to ensure the adequate protection of the
community.
[5] Ultimately, the two issues for this Court’s determination are:
(a) First, has the respondent contravened the existing supervision order? This issue
is to be resolved by assessing whether the applicant has proved the
contraventions as alleged on the balance of probabilities; and
(b) Second, upon being satisfied that the adequate protection of the community can
be ensured by the respondent’s release on a supervision order, is it appropriate
for the court to amend the existing supervision order by extending it for a
1 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported, Boddice J (as his Honour then
was), SC No 87 of 2017, 19 June 2017.
2 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported Muir J, SC No 87 of 2017,
5 December 2023.
3 See generally Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) s 22(7).
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further period? This issue is to be resolved by a current assessment by the court
of the period that the respondent is likely to remain a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a Division 3 order under the Act.4
[6] For the reasons that follow, I am satisfied that:
(a) the second but not the first contravention has been proved; and
(b) the adequate protection of the community can be ensured by releasing the
respondent on the existing supervision order, amended to extend the period of
the order for a further two years until 29 August 2029.
Relevant factual context
[7] The respondent was born on 13 November 1965 in England and migrated to Australia
with his parents when he was about two years old. His understanding is that his
mother excessively drank alcohol while she was pregnant with him, and that both his
parents had issues with substance abuse. They separated when the respondent was
five years old.
[8] On any view, the respondent experienced an extremely prejudicial and traumatic
upbringing which led to severe disruption of his attachment, personality and sexual
development. Throughout his childhood, he was exposed to substance abuse,
domestic violence, neglect and physical and sexual abuse committed by several of his
male caregivers (including his father and uncle) and peers.
[9] The respondent and his adopted sister moved between Australia and England
throughout their early life. The respondent was neglected and abused by his paternal
grandmother and uncle in England. He was severely sexually abused by both his uncle
and father. When the respondent reported his father’s abuse to a teacher, his mother
took him to live in a boys’ care home. There, the respondent was physically and
sexually abused by house parents and his male peers.
[10] By the time he reached his mid-teens, the respondent had started to engage in reckless
and maladaptive coping behaviors, including abusing alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.
The respondent reports being “very naughty” at school, and recalls an incident where
he did not want to attend a woodwork class and stabbed his teacher in the hand with
a chisel or javelin, resulting in a three-month suspension.5 The respondent was also
suspended for harming animals, which was a behaviour he engaged in when he was
angry. He attempted to set fire to both the boys’ home and his father’s home.
[11] The respondent inflicted sexual abuse upon younger boys at the care home. He was
evicted from the home around the age of 16 after a complaint was made against him
by a peer. The respondent also spent time in a child guidance centre due to his
disruptive and sexualised behaviour, and was treated at Wolston Park for alcoholism.
[12] The respondent completed schooling up to Year 9. He then worked at McDonald’s in
Brisbane City, and he also worked as a sex worker from his late teens. The respondent
4 Bickle v Attorney-General for the State of Queensland [2015] QSC 64 at [37] (Applegarth J). An appeal
against this decision was dismissed in Bickle v Attorney-General for the State of Queensland [2016] 2
Qd R 523.
5 Affidavit of A Lenardon filed 19 May 2025 at AL-4 p 49.
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5
eventually obtained a job as a chef and was able to complete an apprenticeship, but
he was unable to hold down a stable job. In the early 1990s, the respondent suffered
a workplace injury in which he lost two fingers. He has not been able to maintain
employment since his offending in 1995, and he now receives the Disability Support
Pension.
[13] The respondent met his wife at the age of 25, and with her he had three children: a
daughter who is now 35, a son who is 25 and a daughter who is 24. The respondent
and his wife separated in 2000 due to his offending, but they remained close and
eventually remarried in 2018. She died from cancer in 2022. The respondent is now
in a homosexual relationship with another resident at the Wacol precinct. He has
occasional contact with his son and youngest daughter, but he has not had contact
with his adopted sister for 20 years. The respondent’s parents died by suicide when
he was about 20 years old.
[14] Aside from his sexual offending, the respondent has a criminal history involving
forgery, stealing, breaking and entering, and breaching bail conditions by contacting
the parents of the victims of his sexual offending.
Proceedings under the Act
[15] The respondent came to be subject to orders under the Act by serious sexual offending
against children. His offending is extremely grave, and clearly within the scope of
offending that the legislature contemplated when the Act was introduced.6
[16] When he was 15 years of age, the respondent offended against a seven-year-old male
with whom he resided in the care home. That offending involved the respondent
bribing the victim with lollies to have him masturbate him and perform oral sex on
him. The respondent used force during the incident of oral sex. Further offending
occurred up until the respondent was 17, which involved the respondent requiring the
victim to touch and rub his penis and mutual oral sex. On 31 March 2016, the
respondent was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for six offences of indecent
treatment of a child under the age of 14 years.
[17] When the respondent was aged between 28 and 30, he offended against two three-
and four-year-old boys who were known to him. This involved the respondent
fondling the genitals and masturbating one of the boys, and having the boy do the
same to him. The respondent also sucked that boy’s penis on two or three occasions
and sucked the other boy’s penis on five or six occasions. On 21 February 1997, the
respondent was sentenced for 11 offences in the Brisbane District Court, including
indecent dealing with a child under the age of 12 with circumstances of aggravation.
The respondent was imprisoned for a period of 40 months.
[18] On 14 June 1999 and 25 June 1999, when the respondent was aged 33 to 34 years, he
offended again against three different boys across two distinct episodes. The first
series of offending involved a 10-year-old boy, who the respondent lured away from
his friends on the pretext that he had puppies to show him. The respondent indecently
dealt with the boy, abducted him, and took him to bushland, where he blindfolded
6 See generally Queensland, Parliamentary Debates, Legislative Assembly, 4 June 2003 at 2581 (RJ
Welford, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice), where it was said that the Act was intended to
apply only to “very, very serious offenders”: at 2581.
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6
and gagged him with a nappy and bound the boy’s hands with sticky tape. The
respondent slapped the boy several times on the face, causing his nose to bleed. The
respondent further dealt with the boy indecently before eventually taking him to a
place near a shopping centre, where he gave the boy $3 and told him not to tell anyone.
[19] The second series of offences occurred 11 days later and involved two boys aged
eight and 10 years old. The respondent followed the boys into a toilet block, saying
he thought he had seen a puppy. Inside the toilet block, he threatened the boys with a
knife and made them remove their clothes. He sodomised the 10-year-old boy and
made the eight-year-old boy watch. At one point, the respondent withdrew his penis
and made the 10-year-old boy play with it. The 10-year-old boy was visibly distressed
during this ordeal.
[20] On 7 June 2001, the respondent was sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment
in the Beenleigh District Court in respect of the offence of sodomy, and various
concurrent terms of imprisonment in respect of 16 other offences, including taking a
child under the age of 12 years for immoral purposes, indecent treatment of a child
under 12 years, sexual assault and serious assault. On 10 November 2008, the
indefinite sentence was discharged on a review, and a sentence of 18 years was
imposed in its place.
[21] The existing supervision order under the Act was made by Boddice J (as his Honour
then was) on 19 June 2017 and contained 47 conditions. That order was for a term of
10 years, expiring on 28 June 2027. The psychiatric evidence in the initial
proceedings was that the respondent’s unmodified risk of sexual recidivism was in
the high range, with the most recent (2016) offending involving the planned targeting
of pre-pubertal boys in isolated settings and the use of lies, threats and the presence
of a weapon.
[22] In making the existing supervision order, Boddice J relevantly observed:7
“The psychiatric opinions do, however, support a conclusion that the risk may
be reduced to acceptable by the imposition of a supervision order mandating
abstinence from intoxicating substances and non-contact in the future with
children, other than in a supervised environment. There will also need to be
close monitoring and supervision.”
[23] The respondent has attempted to account for his sexual offending in various ways
over time, including his unhappiness in his marriage, drug use, uncertain
employment, dissatisfaction with his life, suicidal ideation, and his own history of
being a victim of abuse.
Previous contraventions of the exiting supervision order
[24] The respondent has contravened the existing supervision order on three previous
occasions, although never by committing a sexual offence. Each of the prior
contraventions were of the condition to abstain from the consumption of illicit drugs,
and each were discovered by way of positive urine samples.
7 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported, Boddice J, SC No 87 of 2017,
19 June 2017 at pp 8-9.
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[25] The first previous contravention occurred in November 2017, when the respondent’s
urine test returned a positive result for Lyrica (Pregabalin), a medication that was not
prescribed to him. The respondent said that he did not knowingly consume the
substance and believed it had been placed in his coffee by another resident at the
precinct. The respondent was arrested and returned to custody on 14 November 2017,
until he was released back onto the supervision order by Bowskill J (as her Honour
then was) on 16 July 2018.8 In that proceeding, her Honour found that the psychiatric
evidence plainly supported a finding that the adequate protection of the community
could, despite the contravention, be ensured by the existing supervision order.9
[26] The second prior contravention arose in May 2021, when the respondent’s urine test
returned a positive result for methylamphetamine. The respondent was arrested and
returned to custody on 20 May 2021. He remained in custody until he was again
released back to the existing supervision order by Applegarth J on 4 November
2021,10 with his parole being granted on 29 June 2022. On this occasion, the
respondent had resorted to abusing methylamphetamine to cope with severe
emotional distress related to his past trauma, relationship stressors and the decline in
the health of his wife. There were also “frustrations with the conditions around his
supervision”, particularly his placement at the precinct.11
[27] The third previous contravention occurred in August 2023, when the respondent’s
urine test again returned a positive result for methylamphetamine. That followed the
respondent suffering physical health problems, relationship issues, and the health of
his wife further deteriorating before her death. The respondent was arrested and
returned to custody on 14 August 2023. He was also charged with the offence of
contravening the supervision order to which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to
six months’ imprisonment. A period of 92 days of presentence custody was declared
and the respondent was released on parole on 15 November 2023.
[28] The fourth contravention proceeding came before me on 5 December 2023. In that
proceeding, the psychiatric evidence was that the respondent’s use of substances had
increased his unmodified risk of sexual recidivism from moderate to high, but that
the risk could continue to be managed by the existing supervision order. I therefore
ordered that the respondent be re-released to the existing supervision order which,
because of the operation of s 24 of the Act, was extended until 29 August 2027.12
[29] Before turning to the current contraventions, it is necessary to understand the relevant
statutory context by which contravention proceedings under the Act are to be
determined.
Statutory context: Contravention proceedings
[30] Contravention proceedings under s 22 of the Act involve:
8 Order of Bowskill J dated 16 July 2018.
9 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported, Bowskill J (as her Honour then
was), SC No 87 of 2017, 16 July 2018.
10 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith [2021] QSC 357.
11 Ibid at [4] (Applegarth J). I note that in the present proceeding, both psychiatrists accept the suitability
of the precinct accommodation for the respondent.
12 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported, Muir J, SC No 87 of 2017,
5 December 2023.
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(a) First, the determination of whether the respondent has contravened, or is likely
to contravene, the supervision order; and
(b) Second, if there has been a contravention, the exercise of a discretion to rescind
the order and make a continuing detention order or amend the supervision order
as appropriate.
[31] The onus is on the Attorney-General to satisfy the Court on the balance of
probabilities that the respondent has contravened the supervision order.13 Once the
Court is satisfied that the order has been contravened, the onus shifts to the respondent
to satisfy the Court on the balance of probabilities that the adequate protection of the
community can, despite the contravention, be ensured by a supervision order, either
in the form of the existing order or as amended.14
[32] The term “adequate protection of the community” as it appears in s 22 bears the same
meaning as it does in s 13 of the Act; that is, adequate protection of the community
from the unacceptable risk that the respondent will commit a “serious sexual
offence”.15
[33] Unless the respondent satisfies the court on the balance of probabilities that the
adequate protection of the community can, despite the contravention, be ensured by
the existing supervision order (or as amended under s 22(7)), the court must rescind
the order and make a continuing detention order.16
Power to extend an existing supervision order
[34] An order extending an existing supervision order can be made either on application
by the Attorney-General within six months of the order expiring pursuant to s 19B,
or in contravention proceedings as an amendment to the existing order under
s 22(7).17 It is this Court’s power under s 22(7) that is said to be invoked in the present
case.
[35] Under s 22(7)(b) of the Act, the court may amend the existing supervision order in a
way the court considers appropriate to ensure adequate protection of the community,
or for the respondent’s rehabilitation or care or treatment. It is accepted that an order
extending the period of a supervision order falls within this power.18
[36] The discretion to extend an existing supervision order under s 22(7) involves similar
discretionary considerations to those relevant to deciding whether to impose a
13 See generally Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) s 22(1).
14 See generally ibid ss 22(2), 22(7), see also Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson
[2020] QSC 287 at [16] (Davis J).
15 Kynuna v Attorney-General (Qld) [2016] QCA 172 at [60] (Margaret McMurdo P, Morrison JA and
Applegarth J agreeing).
16 Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) s 22(2)(a).
17 See generally Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson [2020] QSC 287 at [22] (Davis
J), citing Attorney-General v Van Dessell [2007] 2 Qd R 1 at [31]-[32]; Bickle v Attorney-General for
the State of Queensland [2016] 2 Qd R 523 at [21]-[25] (Fraser JA, Philippides JA and Mullins J, as
her Honour then was, agreeing), see also Attorney-General (Qld) v Foy [2005] QSC 001 at [14]
(Douglas J); Van de Wetering v Attorney-General for the State of Queensland [2024] QCA 222 at [48]
(Mullins P, Henry and Williams JJ agreeing).
18 Attorney-General (Qld) v Robinson [2020] QSC 287 at [22] (Davis J), citing Attorney-General v Van
Dessell [2007] 2 Qd R 1 at [31]-[32]; Bickle v Attorney-General [2016] 2 Qd R 523 at [21]-[25]
(Fraser JA, Philippides JA and Mullins J, as her Honour then was, agreeing).
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Division 3 order under s 13, and the period of the order under s 13A.19 Both are to be
exercised for the same purpose – to ensure the adequate protection of the community
against the risk of the respondent committing a serious sexual offence. In either case,
the length of the order must be set to expire at the point when the respondent is, in the
court’s prediction, an acceptable risk without being subject to supervision.20
[37] Section 13A(2) of the Act expressly provides that in fixing the period of the
supervision order, the court must not have regard to whether or not the prisoner may
become the subject of an application for a further supervision order, or a further
supervision order. During the hearing in the present proceeding, both parties referred
to an apparent difference of opinion expressed by judges of this Court about the
operation of this section when assessing the appropriate length of a supervision order.
On the one hand, the applicant submitted that the court must not take into account the
fact that the opportunity may be available to the Attorney-General to apply to extend
the existing supervision order at another time under ss 19B or 22(7).21 On the other
hand, the respondent submitted that in contravention proceedings these opportunities
for extension are relevant.22
[38] In Van de Wetering v Attorney-General (Qld) [2024] QCA 222, the Court of Appeal
acknowledged the “apparent divergence” on the interpretation of s 13A(2), but found
it unnecessary to resolve the issue.23 It is also unnecessary for me to resolve the issue
because s 13A applies to the making of orders under s 13, and not to the making of
orders in contraventions proceedings under s 22(7).24 I note, however, the Court of
Appeal’s relevant observation that:25
“…in assessing the adequacy of the supervision order for the purpose of the
s 13(5) decision, consideration must, on any view, be given to the operation of
s 22 of the Act.”
[39] It follows that statutory context is plainly a relevant consideration when deciding
whether to extend the length of a supervision order. This includes the operation of the
supervision order under the Act and the consequences of contraventions.26
19 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson [2020] QSC 287 at [23] (Davis J).
20 Ibid.
21 With reference to Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019] QSC 44; Attorney-
General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019] 3 Qd R 329; Attorney-General for the State of
Queensland v Robinson [2020] QSC 287.
22 Also with reference to Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019] 3 Qd R 329;
Attorney General for the State of Queensland v PCO [2019] QSC 44 at [75] (Davis J).
23 At [44]-[47] citing Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v KAH [2019] 3 Qd R 329 at [71]
(Davis J); Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Thaiday [2021] QSC 227 at [112]
(Applegarth J); Attorney General for the State of Queensland v GFC [2023] QSC 227 at [115]
(Applegarth J).
24 This is consistent with the observations of Davis J in Attorney-General (Qld) v Robinson [2020] QSC
287 at [19] (with reference to s 21(7)).
25 Van de Wetering v Attorney-General (Qld) [2024] QCA 222 at [46]. This is consistent with the
reasoning of Bowskill J (as her Honour then was) in Attorney-General (Qld) v Buckley (No 2) [2022]
QSC 88 at [31(d)] and of Applegarth J in Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Thaiday
[2021] QSC 227 at [112], although I note these decisions concerned s 13 applications.
26 See Attorney-General (Qld) v Buckley (No 2) [2022] QSC 88 at [31(d)] (Bowskill J, as her Honour
then was); Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Thaiday [2021] QSC 227 at [112]
(Applegarth J).
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[40] Ultimately, the question for the court under s 22(7) is whether it is satisfied on the
balance of probabilities that the adequate protection of the community can, despite
the contravention, be ensured by the existing order, as it may be amended.27 This
question is to be answered by considering all of the evidence, including any past
breaches, to determine the respondent’s risk of committing a serious sexual offence.28
In the present case, the court must determine what duration of supervision order past
29 August 2027 is necessary to ensure the adequate protection of the community
against the risk. This, of course, is a different point in time assessment than when an
initial Division 3 order is made under ss 13 and 13A. As Jackson J stated in Attorney-
General for the State of Queensland v Robinson [2017] QSC 332, in a contravention
hearing, the court’s discretion is a matter:29
“…of opinion informed by the circumstances, particularly the contravention in
question, and having regard to the wider context of the purposes of the [Act]
and the operation of the existing supervision order.”
[41] Turning then to a consideration of these principles on the facts of this case.
Step one: Present contraventions of the existing supervision order
The first contravention
[42] The applicant alleges that the respondent failed to provide a urine sample as directed
by Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) officers in contravention of requirement
23 of the existing Supervision Order. Requirement 23 states that the respondent must
submit to any form of drug and alcohol testing, including both random urinalysis and
breath testing as directed by a QCS officer.
[43] The details of this alleged contravention are that over four consecutive days from
4 January 2025 to 7 January 2025, the respondent was directed by a QCS officer to
provide a urine sample for analysis and failed to do so. The respondent was offered
three opportunities to provide a sample on 7 January 2025. Evidence from QCS
suggests that at the time, the respondent had been experiencing suicidal ideation and
symptoms of emotional collapse following a breakdown in his relationship with his
current partner, for which he attended hospital on 30 December 2024.
[44] The respondent was discharged from hospital the next day, but reported feeling
overwhelmed and struggling to manage things going wrong in his life. Relevantly,
the respondent has a history of emotional collapse and depression when experiencing
interpersonal stress and relationship breakdowns, and using drugs as a coping
mechanism. These have been accepted as risk factors for the respondent’s sexual
reoffending.
[45] The respondent gave several explanations for not providing urine samples at the
relevant times, including some medical documentation, but the QCS officers did not
consider there to be sufficient medical reason preventing the respondent from
providing a urine sample. Rather, QCS officers suspected that the respondent had
used illicit substances and was attempting to avoid detection.
27 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson [2017] QSC 332 at [88] (Jackson J).
28 Ibid, see also Attorney-General (Qld) v Robinson [2020] QSC 287 at [25] (Davis J).
29 At [88].
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[46] As a result of the alleged contravention, the respondent was arrested under a warrant
pursuant to s 20 of the Act. On 14 January 2025, Hindman J ordered that the
respondent be detained in custody until the final decision of the court under s 22.30
[47] There was then an exceptional circumstances hearing on 17 January 2025 before
Hindman J. In that hearing, there was medical documentation in evidence which
detailed the respondent’s presentation to the Princess Alexandria Hospital and QEII
emergency departments with urinary symptoms on two occasions (4 and 6 January
2025). Her Honour accepted this evidence as demonstrating that the respondent had
a medical condition at the time the samples were requested which made urination
“very difficult for him and painful”.31 Ultimately, her Honour released the respondent
back onto the existing supervision order, and considered that in the circumstances the
risks would be adequately ameliorated by the conditions within that order.32
[48] In addition, a registered nurse at the Metro South Sexual Health Service had reported
to QCS that a urine sample given by the respondent on 7 January 2025 to check for
disease was very small and contaminated with blood. The applicant relies on that
report’s indication that while it may have been painful, the respondent was able to
urinate and there was no indication of blockage. On the same day that the respondent
provided a urine sample to the sexual health service, he was asked by QCS to provide
a sample for drug testing. The evidence is that the respondent attempted to provide a
sample three times, but each time advised that he was unable to do so.
Conclusion on first contravention
[49] I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the first contravention is
established. That is because there is relevant competing medical evidence which
suggests that the respondent was indeed suffering from genuine medical symptoms
which impacted his ability to provide a urine sample across the period in question.
The fact that he did provide a sample for testing for a disease around the same time
(with some difficulty) does not necessarily mean that he was able to provide further
samples on demand by QCS. As such, I find that the first contravention, as
particularised, is not proved.
The second contravention
[50] The second contravention alleged by the applicant, and conceded by the respondent,
is that the respondent contravened various requirements of his existing supervision
order by failing to:
(a) submit to urine drug testing (requirements 8 and 23);
(b) attend scheduled reporting with QCS officers (requirements 3 and 8); and
(c) comply with a curfew or monitoring direction issued to him by QCS
(requirement 6).
30 Order of Hindman J dated 14 January 2025.
31 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Smith, unreported, Hindman J, SC No 87 of 2017,
17 January 2025 at p 1-2.
32 Ibid p 1-3, see also Order of Hindman J dated 17 January 2025.
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12
Failures to provide urine samples
[51] The details of the first of these contraventions are that over 14 consecutive days
between 22 January 2025 to 4 February 2025, the respondent failed to provide a urine
sample as directed by QCS officers. The respondent had provided a urine sample on
17 January 2025 which did not indicate any use of illicit substances, but did not
provide any samples when directed to thereafter.
[52] The respondent again gave various explanations for not providing a sample, including
prostate issues. This did not alleviate the QCS officers’ concerns, particularly given
an indication from the respondent’s General Practitioner that he was not aware of any
conditions that would prevent the respondent from providing a urine sample for
testing.
Failure to report
[53] The respondent was scheduled to report to his Senior Case Manager on 29 January
2025 but did not attend. QCS officers attended the respondent’s residence, but he had
barricaded himself in his room. When the respondent eventually spoke with the
officers, he denied any intention to harm himself, but he was considered by the
officers to be in a low mood.
Failure to comply with curfew
[54] Under the existing supervision order, the respondent is subject to a 24-hour curfew to
remain at the precinct, except where he has been given approval to leave by a QCS
officer. The applicant alleges that on 5 February 2025, the respondent left the precinct
without the necessary approval.
[55] The respondent’s failure to provide urine samples, non-compliance and
disengagement from case management, and emotional collapse resulted in QCS
officers again suspecting that he had used illicit substances and was attempting to
avoid detection. QCS reports having received information from various sources
indicating that the respondent and his partner were actively using
methylamphetamine sourced from another resident in the precinct, and that he had
sent text messages to another resident asking when they wanted the money.
[56] The respondent was again arrested under a warrant pursuant to s 20 of the Act. On
12 February 2025, Freeburn J ordered that he be detained in custody until the final
decision of the court under s 22 of the Act. On 24 March 2025, the respondent pleaded
guilty in the Richlands Magistrates Court and was convicted of the offence of
contravention of an order pursuant to s 43AA of the Act. He was sentenced to a period
of three months’ imprisonment which was wholly suspended for two years.
Conclusion on second contravention
[57] Given the respondent’s admission on the second contravention, I am satisfied that the
contravention as particularised is proved on the balance of probabilities. As such, the
court’s discretion to rescind or maintain the existing supervision order under s 22 of
the Act has been enlivened.
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13
Step two: Exercise of the discretion to rescind or maintain the existing
supervision order
The psychiatric evidence
[58] The court has had the benefit of receiving evidence from three experienced and
qualified experts: Dr Lenardon, Dr Brown and Dr Lowry. Dr Lowry is a clinical and
forensic psychologist who has treated the respondent on a fortnightly basis since April
2024. Dr Brown and Dr Lenardon are forensic and clinical psychiatrists who have
conducted risk assessments of the respondent in video link interviews.33
Diagnoses
[59] The evidence of the psychiatrists is that the respondent’s has the following psychiatric
diagnoses:
(a) Non-exclusive paedophilic disorder with attraction to males (in remission in a
controlled environment);
(b) Personality disorder of mixed type, with antisocial and emotionally unstable
traits;
(c) Polysubstance use disorder (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine,
methamphetamine, MDMA, prescription painkillers and stimulants) which is
in remission in a controlled environment; and
(d) Post-traumatic stress disorder.
[60] In terms of the presentation of the respondent’s personality disorder, Dr Brown opines
that he demonstrates low distress tolerance, impulsivity, identity confusion, self-harm
behaviours, fear of abandonment, and a tendency to become involved in intense and
unstable relationships. Dr Lenardon notes that the respondent’s personality disorder
has improved over time and with treatment, whilst acknowledging that he continues
to cope poorly with life stressors. Under cross-examination, Dr Lenardon further
explained that many individuals outgrow a personality disorder, but this is not the
case for the respondent who is now almost 60 years old and continues to experience
considerable problems with adjustment.34
[61] Dr Brown notes that the respondent has displayed elements of sexual sadism in his
offending, but that he does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of sexual sadism
disorder.35 Dr Lenardon opines that the respondent has benefitted from sexual
offending treatment and has been able to address his sexual deviance and potential
sexual sadism, but notes that sexual deviance is a lifelong condition, so there is always
a risk it will reemerge.
33 Both psychiatrists confirmed that their opinions were unchanged irrespective of whether the first
contravention was proved or not.
34 I note that in terms of risk of sexual reoffending, Dr Lenardon explained that structured risk assessment
tools do not include age as a specific factor, but that there is research suggesting that increase in age
can reduce the risk of sexual reoffending for various reasons. Dr Brown gave similar evidence on this
score, and opined that none of these reasons (for example, decrease in libido) apply to the respondent.
35 The psychiatric evidence in previous proceedings regarding the respondent link these sadistic
tendencies with his anger regarding his own traumatic background.
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14
[62] The respondent registered an elevated score on a Psychopathy Checklist tool
administered by both psychiatrists, but fell short of a psychopathy diagnosis.
Risk of sexual reoffending
[63] The respondent’s specific risk is sexual offending against pre-pubescent children who
may be known or unknown to him. Dr Lenardon notes that the respondent may use
considerable pre-meditation and effort to access a victim, and that the offending could
escalate to involve serious sexual violence. Dr Brown considers that the potential
offending may be impulsive or planned, and involve sexual activity and psychological
or physical coercion. The offending may involve either children of adult
acquaintances or unsupervised children in the community.
[64] Dr Lenardon characterises the respondent’s unmodified risk of sexual reoffending as
moderate to high. In her view, the existing supervision order reduces the risk to low
to moderate by ensuring close monitoring of the respondent’s access to the
community, preventing contact with potential victims, providing intense support and
preventing or allowing for early detection of substance use.
[65] In contrast, Dr Brown classifies the respondent’s unmodified risk as high and his risk
while subject to the existing supervision order as moderate. In her opinion, the
respondent presented with almost all of his risk factors for sexual reoffending during
the period of the current contraventions; those factors being sexual frustration,
rejection by a partner, a perception of being trapped or controlled by others, and other
stressors resulting in frustration, anger, suicidal ideation and substance abuse. Dr
Brown accepts, however, that the existing supervision order has been able to detect
and manage these risk factors to date.
[66] In Dr Brown’s opinion, the respondent’s risk would significantly increase if he had
access to male children and if he was intoxicated. Dr Brown also notes that when the
respondent experiences relationship stress, he tends to disengage from psychological
treatment and become vulnerable to rapid deterioration in mood, self-harm and
suicidal behaviours, impulsive and reckless offending, rejection of supervision and
drug use. Dr Brown characterises the respondent’s diagnoses (outlined above) and
ongoing lack of insight and self-awareness as additional risk factors.
[67] Counsel for the respondent challenged Dr Brown about this evidence, given the
respondent’s more recent conduct of having reported drugs in the precinct to QCS36
and having not returned positive results for illicit drugs throughout 2024. Dr Brown
maintained her view and did not accept that these features represented a “marked
change” in the respondent’s behaviour.37 The basis for this view, along with Dr
Brown’s refusal to accept that the respondent’s presentation at hospital represented at
least some positive behavioural change and that his lack of sexual reoffending or
sexual deviance were factors reducing his risk, was unclear.
[68] Dr Lenardon identifies the respondent’s main risk factors as his ongoing instability
in psychological and social adjustment and substance use, which arise in the context
36 On this score, the evidence is that at various times in late 2024, the respondent reported there was “ice
everywhere” at the precinct and that he “hated” it: see, eg, Affidavit of K Brown filed 2 June 2025 at
KB-3 pp 37-8.
37 T1-33 lines 4-9.
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15
of his personality pathology. She notes that the respondent has continued to
experience difficulties under the existing supervision order and considerable effort,
in terms of supervision and therapeutic support, has been required to prevent future
offending. Under cross-examination, Dr Lenardon explained that the respondent’s
lack of sexual reoffending when he had previously used substances under supervision
did not necessarily indicate that his risk of reoffending was low. Rather, in Dr
Lenardon’s view, the respondent’s lack of reoffending in those circumstances must
be viewed in the context of the intense supervision he is subject to, including
conditions which mean that the use of substances can be quickly detected.
[69] Both Dr Brown and Dr Lenardon shared the opinion of the QCS officers that the
respondent’s failure to provide urine samples when directed to was probably because
he was in fact taking drugs and attempting to obscure that fact. In cross-examination,
however, Dr Lenardon accepted that this was a “clinical,” rather than strictly “legal,”
point of view.38
[70] On this point, the respondent submits that the conceded contraventions do not involve
the positive identification of drugs in the respondent’s system. While that may be true
in a strict sense, it must be acknowledged that the testing for drugs was thwarted by
the respondent’s failure to provide the samples as he was required to do. In
circumstances where the respondent has a history of substance abuse, it is reasonably
open to infer that the respondent did not comply with the urine testing requirements
because he was in fact using drugs at the relevant times. Even giving the respondent
the benefit of the doubt about this, his refusal to provide samples is consistent with
both Dr Brown and Dr Lenardon’s concerns about his oppositional attitude towards
the conditions of the existing supervision order, his ongoing lack of insight, and his
difficulties complying with the order. On a favourable note, the respondent ultimately
accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty to the contravention offence.
Protective factors
[71] Dr Lenardon recognises some improvements to the respondent’s personality disorder
with treatment, his engagement in sexual offender treatment programs, his lack of
reoffending or evidence of sexual preoccupation since 1999, and his ability to engage
in intimate relationships with appropriate partners. Conversely, when Dr Brown was
asked about the reports from various sexual offender treatment programs that the
respondent completed while in custody, her opinion differed from that of the program
facilitators in that she did not think the programs “worked”.39 Her reasons for this
were not apparent.
[72] Dr Lenardon acknowledged under cross-examination that the respondent had reported
his concerns about the accessibility of illicit substances in the precinct to QCS, and
had proactively reached out for help when he had been struggling with his mental
health by reporting to hospital in December 2024. On the latter point, Dr Brown had
a different view, in that she considered this presentation as highlighting that the
respondent was deteriorating “into crisis behaviour”.40 Dr Brown described the
38 Ibid 1-16 line 45.
39 Ibid 1-30 lines 32-6.
40 Ibid 1-33 lines 20-48.
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16
respondent’s discussions with QCS about his personal vulnerabilities after this
hospital visit as “a small positive in a sea of negatives.”41
[73] The respondent’s treating forensic psychologist, Dr Lowry, opined that the
respondent has generally engaged well in treatment sessions and has made some
positive progress. Dr Lenardon made similar observations in oral evidence, referring
to both the individual and group therapy the respondent has received. In contrast, Dr
Brown did not accept that there has been any benefit from the respondent’s
psychological treatment to date, and indeed was “surprised” by aspects of Dr Lowry’s
evidence.42
[74] Dr Lowry considers that the respondent has been able to address many of his
treatment goals and that he has slowly been able to develop some insight into his self-
sabotaging behaviour. It was put to Dr Brown in cross-examination that the length of
Dr Lowry’s therapeutic relationship with the respondent meant that Dr Lowry was in
a better position to assess how long it would take the respondent to achieve his
treatment goals. Dr Brown disagreed with this proposition, although it was unclear
on what basis.
Outstanding treatment needs
[75] In Dr Lenardon’s opinion, the respondent needs to continue with individual therapy
with a clinical or forensic psychologist with expertise in treating personality
disorders, re-engage in a sexual offending maintenance program, and engage in drug
and alcohol intervention programs. Similarly, Dr Brown expresses the view that the
respondent’s treatment needs include working towards achieving stability and
progression within the framework of the existing supervision order, refraining from
ceasing antidepressant medication, and engaging in psychology sessions focused on
increasing insight into personality vulnerabilities and the associated risk of
paedophilic offending. In the hearing, Dr Brown said that the respondent’s primary
treatment needs should also include addressing his substance use and paraphilia.
[76] Dr Lowry’s view is that the respondent needs to build understanding and compliance
with the existing supervision order, develop further protective and relapse prevention
strategies for sexual behaviours, substance use, self-regulation and coping, and
explore factors precipitating destabilisation, particularly in the context of relationship
distress. In Dr Lowry’s opinion, the respondent could achieve these goals through
continued fortnightly psychological intervention over the next 12 to 18 months. On
this point, Dr Brown considered it “extremely unlikely” that these goals would be
achieved within that time.43 Similarly, Dr Lenardon noted that the achievement of
specific psychological treatment goals is different to the respondent’s risk being low
enough to justify a lack of intervention.
Extending the supervision order
[77] The assessment of when the respondent’s risk will become acceptable is a question
for the court, not the psychiatrists. But the opinions of the psychiatrists as to risk and
41 Ibid 1-34 lines 38-9.
42 Ibid 1-28 lines 35-6.
43 Ibid 1-36 lines 19-20.
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17
matters within their professional expertise can assist the court in determining this
issue.44
[78] Dr Brown recommends that the existing supervision order be extended for a period
of at least five years on the basis that the respondent continues to present with almost
all of his risk factors for sexual offending. In the hearing, Dr Brown maintained that,
despite the significant amount of treatment the respondent has received, there has
been no significant behavioral change at all. When asked specifically why an
extension of five years was appropriate, Dr Brown referred to the stage 1 curfew
requirements, the respondent’s contraventions, and the ongoing nature of the
respondent’s personality disorder. Her oral evidence focused on the lack of a
sustained change in the respondent, including compliance with the existing
supervision order, learning to tolerate relationship distress, ceasing crisis presentation
at medical facilities, being able to live independently, and achieving a routine.
[79] Dr Brown’s view was that the respondent is not “doing anything” to achieve a pro-
social and stable life.45 She was not prepared to concede that much had been achieved
by the respondent whilst subject to the supervision order, even the respondent’s
genuine engagement in sexual offender treatment programs. This aspect of her
evidence is not consistent with the evidence of Dr Lendardon and Dr Lowry as set
out above, that the respondent has achieved some improvement and undertaken a
number of interventions and courses. Dr Brown did accept, however, that the existing
supervision order has acted to reduce the respondent’s risk to an acceptable level up
until this point.
[80] The applicant accepted that Dr Brown had a “particularly bleak view of future
improvement” but submitted that the five-year recommendation was “based on her
best prediction, at this point, as to how long that risk will subsist”.46 I do not accept
this submission. The overall effect of Dr Brown’s evidence was that she was highly
sceptical that the respondent’s risk would ever reduce to an acceptable level such that
he could ever be released back into the community without supervision. In that sense,
the figure of five years appears to be an entirely arbitrary one.
[81] Dr Lenardon did not originally recommend an extension of the existing supervision
order. By an addendum report given by email in response to a request from the
applicant’s solicitor, she suggests that the respondent “should achieve a prolonged (at
least three years) period of stability in the community” and that that “[a]s per his
current presentation, [the respondent] appears to be very far from this”.47 In oral
evidence, Dr Lenardon reiterated that an extension was necessary due to the
respondent’s limited progression while under supervision in the community, and she
was supportive of Dr Brown’s evidence about the need for the existing supervision
order to be extended by five years. When asked during the hearing to assess the
respondent’s risk of sexual recidivism at the conclusion of a five-year extension,
however, Dr Lenardon was unable to answer on the basis that this was too difficult to
assess.
44 See Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Thaiday [2021] QSC 227 at [39] (Applegarth J).
45 T1-36 lines 20-21.
46 Ibid 1-51 lines 20-21, 1-54 lines 18-20.
47 Affidavit of N Palmer filed 7 July 2025 at NP-5 p 2.
-- 17 of 21 --
18
[82] Both psychiatrists noted that the respondent’s supervision at the Wacol precinct has
not been without difficulty, and that he had been heavily reliant on the supervision
and support of QCS officers. In Dr Brown’s view, until the respondent is better able
to manage his risk factors and demonstrate sustained adherence to the existing
supervision order, he is very unlikely to manage outside this environment, and his
risks may very quickly escalate without detection.
Consideration
[83] It is well established that the relevant question in contravention proceedings is the
risk of the respondent committing a serious sexual offence.48
[84] The consequences of the risk eventuating in this case are extremely serious with
devastating outcomes. The risk could manifest in penetrative sexual offending against
pre-pubescent children who may be known or unknown to the respondent. The
respondent may use considerable pre-mediation and effort to access a victim and the
offending could escalate to involving serious sexual violence. The offending may also
be impulsive.
[85] But despite the respondent’s repeated contraventions of the existing order, including
the contraventions giving rise to the present proceeding, it is instructive that he has
not committed an offence of a sexual nature, which would have constituted a breach
of the condition which appears in all supervision orders by force of s 16(1)(f) of the
Act. The fact that the respondent has not committed such an offence means that the
purpose of the existing supervision order has been fulfilled to date. As Jackson J
relevantly observed in Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson
[2017] QSC 332:49
“If the respondent’s contrariness causes him to contravene conditions of his
supervision order, and that leads to both proceedings against him for an offence
of contravening the order and tighter surveillance and more trouble for QCS
officers, those are prices to be paid for being subject to and costs of
administering the DPSOA system but, in my view, that does not necessarily
reflect an increased risk of the respondent committing a serious sexual offence”
(emphasis added).
[86] I am satisfied that, despite the proven contraventions, the respondent ought to be
released subject to a supervision order. The more difficult question is whether it is
appropriate for the court to exercise its discretion to amend the existing order under
s 22(7) of the Act to ensure the adequate protection of the community or the
respondent’s rehabilitation or care or treatment.
[87] The applicant submits that that the existing order should be amended so that it is in
force for a further five years from its current expiration date, that is, until 29 August
2032. The respondent’s submission is that the existing supervision order provides
adequate protection to the community in its current form. In support of this
submission, the respondent argued that “there are far too many variables as to what
48 See, eg, Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Robinson [2017] QSC 332 at [62] (Jackson
J).
49 At [62].
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19
could happen over the course of the next two years” and that the evidence was
insufficient to grant an extension.50
[88] In my view, however, this argument unintentionally reverses the onus. It is critical to
recall that under s 22 of the Act, the onus is on the respondent to satisfy the court that
the adequate protection of the community can, despite the contravention, be ensured
by a supervision order in the form of the existing order or as amended. It is a matter
for the court to assess whether this onus has been satisfied.
[89] As discussed, the supervision order must be set to expire at the point when the
respondent poses an acceptable risk without being subject to supervision. In this case,
determining that point in time is no easy task.
[90] The evidence establishes that the respondent is still struggling to develop strong
coping skills, manage stress, comply with the requirements of the supervision order
and obtain a level of independence outside of the precinct. Even if it were accepted
that the present contravention does not involve the positive identification of illicit
substances in the respondent’s system, it is reflective of his ongoing oppositional
defiance to boundaries and rules. Given the respondent’s background, diagnoses and
institutionalisation, this is not necessarily surprising. Indeed, it is difficult to see how
a man such as the respondent can be expected to, for example, obtain and maintain a
job and live independently. But the problem remains that a number of these factors
are integral to reducing the respondent’s risk of committing a serious sexual offence.
[91] The evidence shows that the existing supervision order has fulfilled its purpose to
date. It is consistent with the fact that the respondent has not committed an offence of
a sexual nature since 1999, and his contraventions of the existing supervision order
have always been quickly detected. As such, the respondent’s risk has been
appropriately managed in line with the regime under the Act, and there is no reason
to suggest that this would not continue to be the case for another two years under the
existing supervision order.
[92] Dr Lowry’s opinion is that the respondent’s treatment goals can be achieved within
the next 12 to 18 months. Dr Brown and Dr Lenardon do not suggest that there is any
science around the selection of a period of a further five years. Dr Lenardon explained
that to consider a discharge from the supervision order, she would need to see the
respondent demonstrate three years of stability, which would entail:51
“Mr Smith being able to live independently, not requiring clearly to return to
custody, not…contravening the order in any ways, and being able to conduct
himself in a stable way without relying so much on the input of others. And all
of these things, in my view, have not been achieved so far, and that’s the reason
for my recommendation and for agreeing with Dr Brown.”
[93] I am satisfied that the respondent has made some progress in addressing his
therapeutic treatment goals, and both his paedophilia and substance abuse diagnoses
are in remission while in a supervised environment. The respondent seems to have, at
least, made a start. He presented at hospital in a time of emotional distress on
30 December 2024 and produced a negative result in a drug screen on 17 January
50 T1-61 lines 4-7.
51 Ibid 1-10 lines 23-31.
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20
2025. It is in the interests of both protecting the community and providing for the
respondent’s continuous care and treatment that his outstanding treatment needs are
addressed while he remains subject to the existing supervision order.
[94] I accept the psychiatric evidence that the respondent is unlikely to achieve the level
of behavioural change and stability to reduce his risk to an acceptable level by the
end date of the current order. I also accept the applicant’s submission, and the views
of both psychiatrists, that the fact that the respondent’s psychological treatment goals
may be reached within 12 to 18 months does not necessarily mean that his risk of
sexual recidivism will reach an acceptable level at that time. Any attainment of the
specific goals deposed to by Dr Lowry may be factors going to an assessment of the
respondent’s risk, but they are only part of the relevant assessment.
[95] Ultimately, I am satisfied that the adequate protection of the community can be
ensured by extending the existing supervision order for a further two years.
[96] Despite Dr Brown’s considerable scepticism and understandable concern about the
risk posed by the respondent, the evidence is that the respondent has displayed some
progress in his individual psychological treatment and has previously demonstrated
sustained periods of stability in the community. The respondent has not committed
an offence of a sexual nature for over 26 years. His regular treating psychologist
expects him to have achieved his treatment goals of building understanding and
compliance with the supervision order, developing protective relapse prevention
strategies for his sexual behaviours and substance use issues, improving self-
regulation, and further exploring and understanding the factors which lead to his
destabilisation including relationship distress within the next 12 to 18 months. The
achievement of such goals will not remove the respondent’s risk altogether, but it
would mark significant progress for him. This is particularly so given his sexual
offending has been partially driven by issues like substance abuse and a lack of coping
strategies when things go wrong.
[97] A supervision order need not be risk free: “that would be an impossible bar.”52 Whilst
the paramount consideration is the need to ensure adequate protection of the
community, as Bowskill J (as her Honour then was) observed in Attorney-General
for the State of Queensland v Buckley (No 2) [2022] QSC 88:53
“The making of a supervision order is not about trying to achieve a guarantee
that the risk posed by the respondent will not eventuate. That would not be
possible. If that was the aim, supervision orders would never be made.”
[98] The supervision order, as extended, will now end at a point in time where the
respondent may have been able to address his therapeutic needs (within the next 12
to 18 months) and display stability and compliance (for at least three years). I am
satisfied that at that point, being 29 August 2029, the respondent’s risk will be reduced
to a satisfactory level in the absence of a supervision order.
52 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Tiers [2020] QSC 135 at [27] (Applegarth J), citing
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at [39].
53 At [13], citing Attorney-General (Qld) v Francis [2007] 1 Qd R 396 at [39].
-- 20 of 21 --
21
[99] I therefore find that the existing supervision order should be amended so that it is in
force for a further two years from its current expiration date, that is, until 29 August
2029.
Orders
[100] The court, being satisfied to the requisite standard that the respondent, Stuart McKay
Smith, has contravened the supervision order of Boddice J made on 19 June 2017,
orders that:
(a) The respondent be released from custody and continue to be subject to the
supervision order.
(b) Pursuant to s 22(7)(b) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003
(Qld), the period of the supervision order made by Boddice J on 19 June 2017
(as amended in accordance with the declaration of Muir J made on 5 December
2023) be amended by omitting the date “29 August 2027” and inserting the
date “29 August 2029”.
(c) The application filed 14 January 2025 is dismissed.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2025/188