BE v PR [2024] QDC 70
DISTRICT COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: BE v PR [2024] QDC 70
PARTIES: BE
(appellant)
v
PR
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: 982/24
DIVISION: Appellate
PROCEEDING: Appeal pursuant to s 164 of the Domestic and Family
Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld)
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Magistrates Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: Date of orders: 13 May 2024
Date of publication of reasons: 15 May 2024
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 13 May 2024
JUDGES: Smith DCJA
ORDER: 1. The appeal is allowed.
2. I vary the Magistrate’s order by deleting the order that
the ouster clause be in force for five years and in lieu
thereof it is ordered the ouster clause is to be in force
until the retrial of this matter or earlier order.
3. I remit the matter to the Magistrates Court at Brisbane
for a retrial before a different Magistrate.
4. The matter is listed for mention at 9am in the
Magistrates Court at Brisbane on 16 May 2024 for an
urgent listing for hearing.
5. I recommend the Queensland Police Service appear for
the aggrieved under section 147 of the Domestic and
Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) or that legal
aid be granted.
6. The appellant is to file and serve his submissions on the
question of costs within seven days not exceeding three
pages. The aggrieved is to file and serve her
submissions on the question of costs not exceeding three
pages within 14 days. The Queensland Police service is
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to file its submissions on costs within 14 days not
exceeding three pages.
CATCHWORDS: FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE – DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE – PROTECTION ORDERS – application to vary
protection order – ouster order made – where the appellant was
self-represented – where the appellant attempted to file an
affidavit but this was not accepted – where the affidavit filed
before this court shows a triable issue – whether a miscarriage
of justice if the matter is not reheard on all of the material
including the appellant’s material – the relevance of
proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of
Australia concerning this matter – whether full disclosure by
the aggrieved - where the order involved the appellant being
removed from his business and home – whether the order was
necessary or desirable – where the order was not requested by
the respondent, police prosecutor and contrary to the wishes of
the respondent – whether the Magistrate had the power to make
an ouster order where there was no written application for it –
whether a retrial should occur in the District Court – where the
parties were not ready for a retrial – in the interests of justice
to order a retrial in the Magistrates’ Court
APPEAL AND NEW TRIAL – APPEAL – admission of fresh
evidence where miscarriage of justice may result – whether
Magistrate erred in amending application from the bench –
whether application for adjournment should have been
considered – where appropriate to order retrial
Appeal Costs Fund Act 1973 (Qld)
Domestic Violence and Family Protection Act 2012 (Qld) ss 4,
42, 43, 48, 50, 57, 63, 64, 77, 78, 86, 91, 164, 168, 169
Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) ss 114, 114AB
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) s 31
Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v ANU [2009] HCA 25; (2009)
239 CLR 175, applied
COUNSEL: Mr J.P. Mould for the appellant
Self-represented respondent
SOLICITORS: Self-represented appellant
Self-represented respondent
Introduction
[1] The appellant appeals a decision of the Brisbane Magistrates Court made on 20 March
2024 in which it was decided that the appellant be immediately prohibited from
remaining at, entering or attempting to enter, or approaching to within 100 metres of
98 W- Road, B- for a period of five years.
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[2] This appeal must be decided on the evidence in proceedings before the court that
made the decision being appealed although an Appellate Court may order the appeal
be heard afresh and whole or in part.1
[3] The parties both consented to the filing of further affidavits in this court and I
admitted them into evidence2.
Material before the Magistrate
[4] The respondent “the aggrieved” obtained a protection order by consent in the
Magistrates Court on 25 September 2023.
[5] The original protection order dated 25 September 2023 stated inter alia;
“The appellant must within 28 days allow the aggrieved to enter
structures at 98 W- Road, B- in the company of a police officer to
recover undisputed personal property and during such presence of the
aggrieved the appellant shall not approach or remain within 10 metres
of the aggrieved.”
[6] The aggrieved made an application to vary a domestic family violence order dated
24 October 2023. In this application, she alleged that the appellant was withholding
her equipment such as a crane and excavator. It was said the Family Court was likely
to give them back to her. It was alleged the appellant was going to make it more
difficult for her to relocate them. She lived more than one hour from the appellant’s
location and she would “probably” get assaulted by the appellant or his family when
she relocated the machines and needed an ouster order.
[7] The aggrieved filed a further affidavit on 18 November 2023. This stated she was 34
years of age. The appellant was 39. She met the appellant on the Gold Coast and
they started dating in about April 2020. They moved from the Gold Coast to 98 W-
Road, B- on or about October 2020. There was one daughter aged three. The
daughter lived with her and spent supervised time with the appellant. She alleged
there was ongoing domestic violence by the appellant throughout the relationship.
She alleged they separated on 20 June 2022 and the appellant assaulted her. He also
sent her threatening and harassing text messages which were marked as annexure A.
She alleged that the appellant had been withholding her financial resources namely
plant and equipment and denied access to them. She alleged that she had been using
“visa matters” to force her to sign a pre-nuptial agreement. She refused to sign this.
He used properties as a pawn to force her to agree with his proposal in the Family
Court. The equipment is withheld by him. On 29 November 2022, he threatened to
damage her 2013 monitor platform lift. She needed to get the equipment back to
restart her life. There had been proceedings in the Family Court of Australia. On 1
November 2023, the appellant agreed to release her equipment unconditionally. But
he still denied access to the matrimonial property. She owns a 25-tonne truck crane
and excavator and a cherry picker. She is in fear that she will be assaulted when she
picks up her equipment. She was asking for an exclusive occupancy order to allow
her to stay on the matrimonial property for 30 days or alternatively an order requiring
the appellant to allow her to go into the property to recover various items of property.
1 Section 168 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (“the DFVP Act”).
2 See exhibits 11 and 12.
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[8] The aggrieved filed a further affidavit on 11 March 2024. She repeated her allegation
of being assaulted on 20 June 2022. She alleges the appellant threatened to sell her
machinery located in the backyard. She said on 28 February 2023 she had the chance
to go to the matrimonial property with the police to collect some of her belongings
but the police could not attend and she was only able to get back small personal items.
She alleged that on 14 December 2023 she and her father hired a truck to get one
vehicle back but they were not allowed to enter the property. She also went back on
3 February 2023 but had difficulty removing an excavator. She alleges the appellant’s
mother is harassing her. She repeated the request for the orders to be made.
The hearing
[9] The matter came on for hearing before the Magistrate’s Court on 20 March 2024.
The appellant told the Magistrate that he had tried to file an affidavit in the
proceedings. The Magistrate told him it was inappropriate that he was trying to file
the affidavit so late. The appellant told the Magistrate that the affidavit was in his
phone and downstairs with the registry. He told the Magistrate that he had been
emailing the registry for a week. The appellant tried to seek leave to file the affidavit
but the police prosecutor objected to this. The Magistrate then told the appellant that
the matter was going to proceed without any evidence from him.
[10] The Magistrate refused to adjourn the hearing and refused leave to adduce oral
evidence. Also, because he was not legally represented he was not able to put
questions to the aggrieved but her affidavit was taken into evidence and he was not
allowed to put a contrary version of events. The appellant tried to make submissions
about his affidavit but the Magistrate said “you don’t have an affidavit.”
[11] The appellant told the Magistrate that there were Family Court orders in place and
they were on his phone. The orders were not put before the court.
[12] The appellant told the Magistrate that the aggrieved had gone to the Family Court
with the same application to try to have him removed from the property but this was
rejected.
[13] The Magistrate then invited the appellant to make submissions why the order should
not direct him to vacate the premises so the aggrieved and the child could live in the
home. The appellant submitted the house was always his house and he paid all the
bills and the mortgage and ran his business from home so if he were removed he could
not work anymore and could not keep up the repayments on the house. He informed
the Magistrate that there was a hearing date concerning parenting and property in the
Family Court on 26 August 2024. The appellant said to the Magistrate it was pointless
of him making further submissions. He tried to explain again that for well over a
week he had been emailing the registry. The appellant pointed out that when he
appeared on 26 February 2024 with his solicitor he was not advised of the directions,
they were given to the lawyer not him.
[14] The police prosecutor informed the Magistrate that the aggrieved was seeking to stay
for 30 days to retrieve her property but the Magistrate said “but I’m trying to explain
that I’m not going to stipulate an end date”. And further “if I’m making an ouster
order for the aggrieved and her child to return to the property it’s a matter for her to
elect how long she stays there.”
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Decision
[15] In the reasons for decision, the Magistrate marked the various affidavits, orders and
applications exhibits.
[16] The Magistrate then referred to the allegations of domestic violence made by the
aggrieved and quoted extensively from the aggrieved’s affidavit.
[17] The Magistrate was satisfied that acts of domestic violence had occurred. She
accepted the evidence of the aggrieved that the appellant was being difficult and using
control of the machines at the matrimonial property to commit further acts of
domestic violence. She was then satisfied that an ouster order which entitled the
aggrieved and the child to resume occupancy of the property at Burpengary was
necessary. The Magistrate rejected submissions that the Family Court had
jurisdiction concerning this matter. The order was made.
Notice of appeal
[18] The appellant appeals the decision of the Magistrate on a number of grounds namely:
1. The Magistrate erred in law in proceeding to hear the application when the Federal
Circuit and Family Court of Australia (“FCFCA”) had already determined the
application.
2. The Magistrate erred in law in finding that the Magistrates Court had exclusive
jurisdiction to entertain an ouster application.
3. The Magistrate’s discretion miscarried when making a five-year ouster order
because it involved the appellant being removed from his home and business
whilst the aggrieved was living and working elsewhere. It was not necessary or
desirable for this to occur and was contrary to the wishes of the aggrieved and not
requested by the police prosecutor.
4. The Magistrate failed to accord procedural fairness in refusing to adjourn the
hearing.
[19] It is submitted that the hearing should be heard afresh and on the hearing of the appeal
the appellant would seek to adduce fresh evidence.
Appellant’s outline of argument
[20] The appellant submits that the Magistrate erred in determining the same application
as the FCFCA. It is submitted that the FCFCA is seized of jurisdiction in this case.
The Magistrate was told of these proceedings and the appellant correctly indicated
that the aggrieved had tried to make the same application in the FCFCA. The
Magistrate failed to have any regard to the order of Judge Coates. It is submitted
there has been forum shopping in the present case by the aggrieved.
[21] It is further submitted the Magistrate erred in finding that the Magistrate’s Court was
the only Court with jurisdiction to make this order. This is contrary to s 114(2A) of
the Family Law Act. This infected the decision of the Magistrate to make the order.
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[22] It is further submitted the discretion to make the five-year order was so unreasonable
it can be inferred that error occurred; particularly considering the appellant lives and
works at the property. Indeed, the QPS indicated to the Magistrate that the aggrieved
was not seeking to take over the property. Section 64(1) of the DFVP Act provides
that the Court must consider the wishes expressed by the aggrieved.
[23] The Magistrate failed to have regard to the significant financial impacts of the order.
[24] It was also submitted that the Magistrate erred in finding that the appellant had refused
leave to the aggrieved to retrieve the machinery.
The aggrieved’s outline
[25] The aggrieved in her outline does not really deal with the issues of procedural fairness
raised by the appellant.
[26] The respondent submits that she has been subjected to domestic violence ongoing
before and after the relationship. She submits that the appellant failed to comply with
orders made by the court. It is submitted that the appellant has unlawfully published
documents from the Family Court. It is submitted that the Magistrate was correct in
making the ouster order.
[27] It is further submitted that the Magistrate was correct in making the five-year order.
[28] The appeal should be dismissed.
Further evidence
[29] As I indicated above further evidence has been filed.
[30] The appellant in his affidavit filed 29 April 2024 swears that he has been the
registered proprietor of 98 W- Road, B- since March 2020. He says he first met the
aggrieved in April 2020 when she was here on a temporary visa from China. She fell
pregnant shortly thereafter.
[31] He alleges the aggrieved did not contribute money to the relationship. She earnt
money by regularly acquiring, repairing and on selling industrial machines which she
kept for herself or transferred to her family in China. By June 2020 there were
arguments. He alleges the aggrieved became angry and smashed a large glass plate
full of food on the floor next to the child. The argument escalated into pushing,
pulling and yelling by both of them. He denies the strangulation and punching.3 He
consented to a protection order in the Magistrates Court without admissions.
[32] He denies that the aggrieved is scared of him. She has come to the home multiple
times without his consent and has been caught on security cameras doing this. He
had a recording of a conversation in September 2023.
[33] In her affidavit filed 11 March 2024, she attempted to apply for an ouster order in the
FCFCA. Exhibit D was the aggrieved’s application in that court in which indeed she
3 Indeed this is consistent with the Police Protection Notice Exhibit 4 where the police noted that the
injuries to the appellant (which seem to be consistent with his version) and police did not see injuries
on the aggrieved corroborating her version.
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applied that the appellant vacate the property at Burpengary and be restrained by
injunction from using it.
[34] The matter came before Judge Coates on 23 January 2024. There is a transcript of
this proceeding attached as Exhibit E to the affidavit. The aggrieved told the Judge
that she wanted to use the house and land for stable accommodation. She wanted to
occupy the land until the daughter was 18 years of age. It was noted that the husband
had brought the land and house to the relationship and it was a short relationship. The
aggrieved said that regarding the property she wanted to get all of her equipment
back. The aggrieved did not want to own the property. The Magistrate doubted the
Court could make an order that she sought regarding occupation. The Judge
ultimately set the matter for trial noting that the application to use the house for 15
years was a trial issue if the Court had power. He needed to make orders for valuation
concerning the machinery. The aggrieved said there was an excavator, cherry picker
and two trucks and she wanted these back into her possession. It was agreed by Mr
Wilson, barrister for the appellant, that that property was the aggrieved’s. The Judge
indicated he could make an order for that specific property to be given back to her.
The Judge made directions concerning the trial.
[35] With respect to the directions made to file material, the appellant left this to his lawyer
who then withdrew. About two to three weeks before the hearing, the appellant began
emailing the registry at the Brisbane Magistrates Court to try and get advice as to the
process. On 14 March 2024, he was sent two emails by the registry that no directions
were ordered for the filing of material other than on 6 November 2023. He attaches
these emails. On the day of the hearing he had prepared an affidavit on his phone
which he wished to file. He went to the registry to print, execute and file it but the
registry had a problem with their computer and it could not be done. He was told to
go upstairs and the registry would let the Court know about the problem.
[36] The appellant says he is not being difficult in allowing the aggrieved to remove her
machinery. He attaches correspondence in that regard. He says presently there is
only one excavator and crane left to move. They cannot be driven on the road by
themselves.
[37] He has a verbal quote from Harvey’s Towing of $880 to move the crane and $550 to
move the excavator. The aggrieved has enough money to move these.
[38] Since the DVO was varied on 20 March 2024, he has been forced to live with his
parents and has been unable to work at all because his workplace was his home and
he has not been able to pay the mortgage.
[39] The respondent has prepared an affidavit filed 9 May 2024. She says that she lodged
her application to vary the domestic violence order on 24 October 2023. She alleges
the appellant has denied her access to the matrimonial property.
[40] She says the appellant commenced FCFCA proceedings seven days after she went
into a refuge in July 2022 and alleges the appellant has withheld and damaged her
equipment. She had to start the case of property settlement in the FCFCA in
September 2023. The appellant used to be a licenced car dealer and made a lot of
money from the sale of cars. He also traded in luxury boats. After they separated he
refinanced the property. It is alleged that after separation he has been liquidating
businesses and hiding large amounts of cash and transferring assets. She said it was
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an abusive relationship between them and she fled this. She says that it was
impossible to get a rental property in the market. She says her parents lent their life
savings to her start a business. She says her business is suspended because of the
domestic violence and separation. She says that the equipment was damaged when
she moved back to the property. She says the appellant can live on a boat. She alleges
the appellant is only paying $4 per day child support. She disputes that any property
was tenanted. She submits that the ouster condition was necessary and desirable. The
matter will proceed to trial in August of this year in the FCFCA Court.
Discussion
[41] In reaching my decision I have taken into account all of the evidence and submissions
made. I have also specifically had regard to the objects of the DFVP Act and section
4 of the DFVP Act.
[42] In light of the fresh evidence put before the court by the appellant, I am satisfied that
a miscarriage of justice could result if this matter is not fully determined on all of the
evidence both from the appellant and the respondent. As section 31 of the Human
Rights Act 2019 (Qld) notes- there is a right to a fair hearing.
[43] Whilst it is true that the appellant did not comply with directions made by the court
he has provided an explanation for this to this court. He also did try and file an
affidavit in the Magistrates Court. It would have been more appropriate for the
Magistrate to consider an application for an adjournment prior to finally determining
the matter. It would have been a matter to determine the extent of prejudice to either
party on the hearing of such an application4. In light of time that had elapsed since
the order was made it is hard to see that a short delay5 to enable the aggrieved to
respond to the material would have caused much prejudice.
[44] Another aspect is the amendment of the application from the bench from a temporary
order to remove property to a 5-year ouster order. In the circumstances of this case it
would have been appropriate to allow the appellant to file material on this question
as this was a significant change from what was sought by the aggrieved and involved
the appellant being forced to leave a property which he purchased and from where he
earned his livelihood. In this regard I note that section 86 of the DFVP Act requires
the application to state the nature of the variation sought. There was no written
application for an ouster order for five years.
[45] One further matter deserves mentioning. It is best practice for the exhibits to be
marked during a hearing rather than during a judgment. Such a practice enables a
party to place any objections they may have to the material. It is too late to do this
during the judgment.
[46] I now turn to the merits of the matter.
[47] There are a number of relevant provisions to be considered.
4 Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v ANU [2009] HCA 25; 239 CLR 175 at [102]
5 Even one of some weeks.
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[48] First the application was made under section 86 of the DFVP Act. Section 91 of the
DFVP sets out when a court can vary such an order. The power to make a variation
is from the application under section 86 of the DFVP Act or under sections 42 or 43.
[49] Section 42 relates to a situation where a person is convicted of an offence. That does
not apply here. Section 43 relates to child protection proceedings- that does not apply
here.
[50] Section 57 of the DFVP Act however provides that an ouster condition must be
considered on a variation application where the aggrieved’s place of residence is
concerned. The aggrieved was not resident at the property at the time of the hearing.
[51] It seems to me that there is a real argument the Magistrate had no power to make the
variation in the absence of a written application by the aggrieved for the ouster
condition.
[52] It could be argued that the power in section 63 of the DFVP Act gave power to the
Magistrate to make the order. On the other hand it could be that this power only arises
when the protection order is being made to start with. This is because section 63 is
not concerned with the express power to make a variation and is contained in the Part
dealing the making of the Protection Order to start with. I note in this regard that
section 28 of the DFVP Act specifically refers to Part 3 Division 5 which contains
section 63.
[53] However I would not rule on this matter. The parties were not given the opportunity
of arguing this matter before me. It would be unfair for me to reach a concluded view
on this.
[54] If section 63 of the DFVP Act applies, it provides a discretion in the court to consider
an ouster order as they had previously lived together at the property.
[55] But again there are real issues as to whether the residence was the aggrieved’s “usual”
place of residence within the meaning of that term in section 64 of the DFVP Act.
[56] Section 64 DFVP Act provides for the matters to be considered:
“64 Ouster condition relating to aggrieved’s usual place of
residence
(1) In deciding whether to impose an ouster condition on the
respondent in relation to the aggrieved’s usual place of
residence, the court must consider, in addition to the
matters mentioned in section 57, the following—
(a) whether the aggrieved and any child living with the
aggrieved can continue to live safely in the
residence if the ouster condition is not made;
(b) any views or wishes expressed by the aggrieved
about imposing an ouster condition on the
respondent in relation to the aggrieved’s usual
place of residence;
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(c) the desirability of preventing or minimising
disruption to the aggrieved and any child living
with the aggrieved, including by minimising
disruption to their living arrangements and
allowing them to continue, or return, to live in the
residence;
(d) the importance of the aggrieved and any child
living with the aggrieved being able to maintain
social connections and support that may be
disrupted or lost if they can not live in the
residence;
(e) the need to ensure continuity and stability in the
care of any child living with the aggrieved;
(f) the need to allow childcare arrangements,
education, training and employment of the
aggrieved and any child living with the aggrieved
to continue without interruption;
(g) the particular accommodation needs of the
aggrieved and any child who may be affected by
the ouster condition;
(h) the particular accommodation needs of the
respondent.
Examples of particular accommodation needs for
paragraphs (g) and (h)—
• accommodation needs that relate to a disability or
impairment
• accommodation needs that relate to the number, or
age, of the children who require accommodation
(2) The fact that the aggrieved does not express any views or
wishes about the condition mentioned in subsection
(1)(b) does not of itself give rise to an inference that the
aggrieved does not have views or wishes about the
condition being imposed.
(3) The court must give reasons for imposing, or not
imposing, the condition.”
[57] In this case relevant considerations would no doubt include the aggrieved’s original
wishes and also the fact the appellant operates his business from the premises and
earns his livelihood from there. Any effect on child support payments may need to be
considered as well.
[58] Another important factor to be considered will be the FCFCA proceedings.
[59] Section 78 of the DFVP Act provides:
“78 Court must consider family law order
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(1) Before deciding whether to make or vary a domestic
violence order, the court must—
(a) have regard to any family law order of which the
court has been informed; and
(b) if the family law order allows contact between a
respondent and a child that may be restricted under
the proposed domestic violence order or
variation—consider whether to exercise its power,
under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cwlth),
section 68R or the Family Court Act 1997 (WA),
section 176, to revive, vary, discharge or suspend
the family law order.
(2) However, the court must not diminish the standard of
protection given by a domestic violence order for the
purpose of facilitating consistency with a family law
order.
(3) If the court is considering whether to exercise its power
as mentioned in subsection (1)(b), the court must give the
parties to the proceeding a reasonable opportunity to
present evidence and to prepare and make submissions
about the exercise of the power.
(4) However, subsection (3) does not apply if the court is
deciding whether to make a temporary protection order
under section 47.
(5) Failure to comply with subsection (1) does not invalidate
or otherwise affect a domestic violence order or a
variation of a domestic violence order.”
[60] In this case it seems to me relevant that Judge Coates did not make a residency order
in favour of the aggrieved and indeed His Honour considered it is unlikely to be made
in light of the fact the appellant brought the property into the relationship and it was
a short-lived relationship. The Magistrate did not have regard to this fact in any
meaningful way.6
[61] However, contrary to the Appellant’s submissions I do not consider however that the
aggrieved was prevented from making a section 59 DFVP Act application in the
Magistrates Court because of the terms of section 78(2) of the DFVP Act.
[62] I note that section 114AB of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) contemplates a
concurrent application of both laws. I also note that section 114AB(2) seems to
prevent a party from making a section 114 application where such application has
been made in the State Courts.
[63] But there could be a case where multiple similar applications might be regarded as an
abuse of process.
6 Section 78(1) of the DFVP Act.
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[64] The aggrieved may not have made full disclosure of the FCFCA proceedings as
required under section 77 of the DFVP Act. It is clear that she sought an interlocutory
order for sole residency of the property and the Judge did not make the order sought
and expressed doubts it would be made. Having said this she prepared the affidavits
when self-represented and having seen her in court I draw the inference she most
likely was not aware of the full extent of the provision.
[65] Having considered all of the matters in this case, it is my opinion that bearing in mind
the concurrent FCFCA proceedings, the fact the appellant lived and worked from
these premises, the aggrieved was living elsewhere with the child, there was a
domestic violence order with no contact conditions in place, and the aggrieved was
only seeking an order allowing her to recover the property, there were strong
arguments on the part of the appellant that it is not necessary or desirable for an ouster
order to be made in this case. Perhaps this is why the aggrieved did not apply for such
an order in the first place.
[66] As it now three months since the original order and bearing in mind the issues
involved, this is a case where an urgent hearing is necessary.
[67] However it is inappropriate for me to determine the issue finally. Before me neither
party was ready for a full trial on the issue. The QPS did not appear for the aggrieved
in this court. More witnesses may be needed. Also no consideration had been given
to the mandatory requirements of section 150 of the DFVP Act for the aggrieved’s
evidence.
[68] It is in the interests of justice that the matter be remitted for retrial.
[69] I cannot ignore the fact that the aggrieved and the child are now residing in the
property potentially under an unlawful order. Bearing in mind the objects of the
DFVP Act and section 4, I consider it appropriate to extend the order until the further
trial in this matter, when the matter can be considered afresh. I make it clear this is a
temporary order only.7
[70] On the issue of costs it seems to me there is an argument that the QPS should pay
them. When the Magistrate changed the application the officer appearing did not
dissent from what was happening despite what was in the application. It may be that
the Appeal Costs Fund Act 1973 (Qld) has some application. I will allow all parties
the opportunity of being heard on the costs issue.
Orders
[71] For the reasons given I made the following orders:
1. The appeal is allowed.
2. I vary the Magistrate’s order by deleting the order that the ouster clause be in
force for five years and in lieu thereof it is ordered the ouster clause is to be in
force until the retrial of this matter or earlier order.
3. I remit the matter to the Magistrates Court at Brisbane for a retrial before a
different Magistrate.
7 Sections 48 and 50 of the DFVP Act.
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4. The matter is listed for mention at 9am on 16 May 2024 for an urgent listing
for hearing.
5. I recommend the Queensland Police Service appear for the aggrieved under
section 147 of the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) or
that legal aid be considered.
6. The appellant is to file and serve his submissions on the question of costs within
seven days not exceeding three pages. The aggrieved is to file and serve her
submissions on the question of costs within 14 days not exceeding three pages.
The Queensland Police Service is to be file its submissions on costs within 14
days not exceeding three pages.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QDC/2024/070