BRM v Director General, Department of Justice and Attorney General [2022] QCAT 156
QUEENSLAND CIVIL AND
ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL
CITATION: BRM v Director General, Department of Justice and
Attorney General [2022] QCAT 156
PARTIES: BRM
(applicant)
v
DIRECTOR GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL
(respondent)
APPLICATION NO: CML126-20
MATTER TYPE: Childrens matters
DELIVERED ON: 28 April 2022
HEARING DATE: 25 February 2022
HEARD AT: Townsville
DECISION OF: Member Pennell
ORDERS: 1. The decision of the Director General, Department
of Justice and Attorney General dated 23 March
2020 that the applicant’s case is exceptional within
the meaning of section 221(2) of the Working with
Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act
2000 (Qld) is set aside and substituted with the
decision that the applicant’s case is not an
exceptional case
2. The publication of the contents of any document or
thing filed in or produced to the Tribunal and any
evidence given to the Tribunal by the applicant and
any witness is prohibited to the extent that it could
lead to the identity of the applicant or any member
of the applicant’s family or any witnesses in these
proceedings
CATCHWORDS: FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE – CHILD
WELFARE UNDER STATE OR TERRITORY
JURISDICTION AND LEGISLATION – GENERALLY
EVIDENCE – MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS – the
applicant seeks a positive notice and blue card –
respondent assessed the applicant’s case was exceptional –
negative notice issued – the applicant has convictions for
drug offences, affray and possession of an unlicensed
firearm – the applicant’s criminal history is associated with
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prior illicit substance abuse – whether an exceptional case
exists – whether the applicant displays insight into his past
criminal offending – whether the applicant’s current
personal circumstances and rehabilitative attempts are such
that his case is not an exceptional case – application of the
paramount principle of the best interests of children
EVIDENCE – MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS – NON
PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE – ORDERS – NON
PUBLICATION OF IDENTITY – the Tribunal exercising
its own initiative to de-identify the applicant, members of
the applicant’s family and other witnesses – the
publication of the applicant’s identity or the identity of any
witnesses would be contrary to public interest
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009
(Qld), s 6, s 19(c), s 20, s 20(1), s 24(1), s 66, s 66(1),
s 66(3), s 145, s 152
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening)
Act 2000 (Qld), s 226(1), s 226(2), s 353, s 354, s 360
Chief Executive Officer, Department for Child Protection v
Grindrod (No 2) [2008] WASCA 28
Chief Executive Officer, Department of Child Protection v
Scott (No 2) (2008) WASCA 171
Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child
Guardian v FGC [2011] QCATA 291
Commissioner for Children and Young People & Child
Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492
Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child
Guardian v Storrs [2011] QCATA 28
FGC v Commissioner for Children and Young People and
Child Guardian [2010] QCAT 350
FMA v Chief Executive Officer, Public Safety Business
Agency [2016] QCAT 210
HAM v Director General, Department of Justice and
Attorney General [2021] QCAT 28
Kent v Wilson [2000] VSC 98
Perry and Browns Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200
Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd’s Patent Extension
Petitions [1983] 1 VR 1
Re TAA [2006] QCST 11
APPEARANCES &
REPRESENTATIONS:
Applicant: Self represented
Respondent: C A Davis, Solicitor, In-House Advocacy Officer
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REASONS FOR DECISION
Introduction
[1] The applicant (‘BRM’) applied for a positive notice and blue card for child related
employment.1 The respondent subsequently carried out a background check and
established that he had a Victorian criminal history (‘police information’). The
respondent then wrote to BRM and advised him the police information raised
concerns about his eligibility to hold a blue card.2 He was invited to respond to the
information by outlining his version of the events. He was also invited to provide
any other information or references that he considered necessary. No additional
information or other submissions were received from BRM.
[2] At a later date, the respondent wrote to BRM and advised him that he was assessed
as being ineligible to hold a positive notice and a blue card. Subsequently, a negative
notice was issued.3 BRM now seeks a review of the respondent’s decision.
The respondent’s decision and reasons
[3] The Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld)
(‘Working with Children Act’) provides that because the respondent has the
responsibility of deciding whether or not there is an exceptional case for BRM; and is
aware that BRM has been convicted of or charged with an offence; there are
particular matters which the respondent must have regard to.4
[4] Those matters include inter alia whether BRM was convicted or charged; whether
the offence is a serious offence and, if it is, whether it is a disqualifying offence.
Consideration must also be given to when the offence was committed, the nature of
the offence and its relevance to employment, or the operation of a business that
involves or may involve children. In the case of a conviction being recorded, the
penalty imposed by the court is also a relevant consideration. A discretion is also
afforded to the respondent to consider anything else relating to the commission, or
alleged commission of an offence that the respondent reasonably considers to be
pertinent to the assessment of BRM.5
[5] Because the Tribunal now stands in the shoes of the respondent’s decision maker,
those conditions just explained are relevant to my assessment of BRM.
[6] The police information revealed that BRM had convictions for the offences of
affray; the handling, receipt or or disposal of stolen goods; unlicenced possession of
firearm; cultivating cannabis; possessing a drug of dependence (prescription
medication) and trafficking in a drug of dependence (prescription medication).
[7] In addition, there were charges for trafficking in cannabis; possession of cannabis
and possession of a drug of dependence (prescription medication) preferred against
1 Application made 19/06/2019. Respondent’s material, BCS-6 to BCS-9.
2 Letter dated 25/11/2019.
3 Negative notice issued 23/03/2020. Respondent’s material, BCS-26 to BCS-27.
4 Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 226(1).
5 Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 226(2).
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BRM, although he was never convicted of those offences as the charges were
discontinued.
[8] Concerns exist about BRM’s convictions that involved in what the respondent
described as violent and intimidating behaviour, as well as drug related offending.
His conviction in 2007 for affray involved him brandishing a firearm whilst
intoxicated. His latter drug offence included the cultivation and possession of
cannabis.6 The harmful nature of cannabis, along with the principle that children are
entitled to be cared for by adults who do not engage in violent and anti-social
behaviour or drug use, or related activities are relevant considerations of BRM’s
eligibility to hold a blue card. Positive role models are particularly important for
children because drugs, violence and anti-social behaviour has the propensity to
affect a child's perception of what is appropriate behaviour in the community.7
[9] The respondent considered that those features just described predicated that an
exceptional case existed in which it would not be in the best interests of children for
a positive notice to be issued to BRM.
[10] In justification of that decision, the respondent noted BRM’s recorded criminal
history with convictions for those matters already discussed. Of great concern to the
respondent was BRM’s conviction for affray, particularly given that the offence
related to a demonstration of violent, threatening and intimidating behaviour when
he brandished a firearm whilst intoxicated. His behaviour on that occasion resulted
in police having to evacuate approximately twenty members of the public from a
neighbouring residence. The respondent considered his behaviour on that occasion
had a direct relevance to his eligibility to work with children because it suggested
that he was unable to judge appropriate behaviour and resorted to intimidating or
threatening behaviour for no particular or identifiable reason.8
[11] Noting that when invited to make submissions, BRM declined to provide any
supporting information or references, and in the absence of any response, the
respondent was unable to conclude the circumstances or triggers that led to his
offending were no longer present to the satisfaction that he was not likely to act in
the same manner and re-offend in the future.9
[12] A noted observation of the police information is quite a number of years had elapsed
since BRM last offended. Although the passage of time is not a determinative
factor, it is however a relevant consideration because the clear intention of the
legislation is that the historical charges preferred against BRM remain significant in
any assessment of his eligibility to hold a blue card.10
The Tribunal’s role and discussion about an exceptional case
6 In Queensland, cannabis is defined within Schedule 2 of the Drugs Misuse Regulations 1987 (Qld) as a
dangerous drug.
7 Respondent’s material, BCS-4.
8 Respondent’s material, BCS-5.
9 Respondent’s material, BCS-5.
10 FMA v Chief Executive Officer, Public Safety Business Agency [2016] QCAT 210, [8].
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[13] The respondent’s decision to issue a negative notice to BRM is a reviewable decision
pursuant to the Working with Children Act.11 Because he was not a disqualified
person, the Working with Children Act (as the enabling Act) afforded BRM the
discretion to apply to the Tribunal, within the prescribed period, for a review of the
respondent’s decision to issue him a negative notice.12
[14] The Tribunal is obliged to hear and decide a review by way of a fresh hearing on the
merits of the matter, with the purpose of the review is to produce the correct and
preferable decision based on those merits.13 That purpose is undertaken with the
Tribunal stepping into the shoes of the original decision maker and applying the
principle that the welfare and best interests of children are paramount.14
[15] When arriving at the correct and preferable decision,15 the Tribunal can either
confirm or amend the respondent’s decision; or set aside the respondent’s decision
and substitute that decision with its own decision;16 or set aside the respondent’s
decision and return the matter for reconsideration to the respondent with the
directions the Tribunal considers appropriate.17
[16] The test imposed upon the Tribunal to reach the correct and preferable decision in
child related employment decisions is extremely rigorous. In arriving at the correct
and preferable decision, the focus is appropriately on whether there is a potential risk
to children and any decision made must be according to the principle of the
legislation. Afterall, the overarching feature of the Working with Children Act is that
it is protective legislation in respect to children and young people.
Exceptional Case
[17] In consideration as to whether an exceptional case exists and applying the provisions
of the Working with Children Act, I am mindful of the frequently referenced principle
that the legislative intent of the Working with Children Act is not to punish BRM
twice; it is about implementing the paramount principle in regard to protecting
children from future abuse.18
[18] Notwithstanding the legislative intent, in reaching a conclusion in regard to child
related employment matters, regard must be given to the context, intent, purpose and
design of the Working with Children Act as it applies the protection of children.19
The Working with Children Act speaks about an exceptional case and although that
11 Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), ss 353 and 354.
12 Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 354; Queensland Civil and
Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 6.
13 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 20.
14 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 19(c); Working with Children (Risk
Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 360.
15 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 20(1).
16 If the Tribunal decides to set aside an exceptional case decision, the Tribunal’s decision does not take
effect until the end of the period within which an appeal against the Tribunal’s decision may be started;
or if the Chief Executive appeals the Tribunal’s decision, the appeal is decided or withdrawn. This
overrides the provisions of the Queensland Civil, and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), ss 145
and 152 that provides for the effect of an appeal on the decision of the Tribunal.
17 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 24(1).
18 Queensland Parliament Hansard, 14/11/2000 at page 4391.
19 Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian v FGC [2011] QCATA 291, [31]
citing the determination of Hedigan J in Kent v Wilson [2000] VSC 98, [22].
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term is not defined within the legislation, it has been the subject of prior discussions
in many jurisdictions, including the Tribunal’s own appeal jurisdiction. The term is
said to be a question of fact and degree to be decided in each individual case and is
necessarily a matter of discretion.20
[19] In Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd’s Patent Extension Petitions [1983] 1 VR 1,
the Supreme Court of Victoria observed the frequently cited definition of exceptional
case which arose out of a warning given by Luxmoore J in Re Perry and Brown's
Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200 that it would be unwise to lay down any general rule
about what an exceptional case is, discretion should be used.21 This approach has
since been adopted in Queensland where the Court of Appeal in Children and Young
People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492 endorsed those
comments just referred to.22
[20] In reaching the correct and preferable decision, the Tribunal is required to weigh up
the competing facts and apply the balance of probabilities principle. As it is often
observed in child related employment matters, a determination of whether an
exceptional case exists or not is made after evaluating all the available evidence
without any party bearing the onus of proof that an exceptional case exits.23
BRM’s case
[21] BRM told the Tribunal that he currently holds a blue card issued in the Northern
Territory relating to him working in child related employment, and he had previously
held a blue card issued in Victoria, although the Victorian blue card has since
expired.
[22] Since 2018 he has been employed by a national based company which carries out
mechanical services works and fire services in many schools and institutions
Australia wide, including in Queensland. As such, he is required to be issued with a
positive notice and a blue card.
[23] BRM said that if he was not issued with a blue card, then his employment status was
in jeopardy. That is, he may lose his current position within his employment and be
moved into another role; pressure will be placed upon his future employment
prospects and career development; and there will be financial stresses considering his
family situation with his fiancé expecting their first child in June.
[24] Pausing at this point and observing those things just mentioned, those issues are not
something the Tribunal should place great weight upon or be overly concerned about.
Although I acknowledge and accept it is important for BRM to obtain a blue card so
he can maintain his current level of employment, the ultimate issue is whether an
20 The approach applied by Fullagar J in Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd’s Patent Extension Petitions
[1983] 1 VR 1 in adopting the warning of Luxmore J in Perry and Browns Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200
that it would be most unwise to lay down any general rule with regard to what is an exceptional case.
All these matters are matters of discretion. This was adopted by the Queensland Court of Appeal in
Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492, [34] and cited by
the Tribunal in FGC v Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian [2010]
QCAT 350, [18].
21 Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd’s Patent Extension Petitions [1983] 1 VR 1.
22 Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492, [34].
23 Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Storrs [2011] QCATA 28, [19].
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exceptional case exists. Regard must be given to the paramount principle as provided
by the Working with Children Act. That is, the best interests of children is a
consideration that I must apply; and any hardship or prejudice suffered by BRM if he
was issued a negative notice is irrelevant to the determination of what is the correct
and preferable decision.24
[25] Returning to BRM’s case, he argued that the entries on his Victorian police
information occurred at a time when he was experiencing an illicit drug problem. He
lacked direction, motivation and a purpose in his life during that time of his life. He
is now a more mature person, more settled in his life and has a focus on caring for his
future wife and child.
[26] He pointed out that those entries into the police information occurred quite some
time ago, that is, twelve and fifteen years ago, and added that I should consider the
penalty imposed by the courts as a reflection of the nature and seriousness of the
offending.
[27] His police information consists of entries relating to two specific incidents. In April
2007, the neighbouring house to where BRM lived was listed for sale and was open
for inspection. A number of people had attended for the inspection. BRM walked out
of his house and into the front garden with an air rifle in one hand and a bottle of
wine and the other. He was intoxicated at the time. He loitered around his front yard
brandishing the firearm and yelling loudly towards the people attending the open
house. Most of his comments were directed towards the real estate agent and
although there were no direct threats made, his actions were clearly intended to
disrupt and cause fear into those people looking at the house. He eventually went
back inside his own house. The police later attended and arrested him.
[28] When BRM later appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, he pleaded guilty to
the offences arising from that incident. He was placed on a twelve month
community based order and ordered to perform 250 hours of unpaid community
work. Convictions were recorded and the firearm was forfeited.
[29] It seems that he completed the conditions of his community based order and in the
passing of fifteen years since that time, he not committed any offence, or behaved in
any way of the like nature.
[30] The second entry on BRM’s police information relates to events in February 2012
when police executed a search warrant on premises where he lived with other
people. Located at those premises was a greenhouse containing five cannabis plants.
Also found was a small amount of cannabis, a small amount of the liquid drug,
gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and a small clear bag containing forty-one Xanax
tablets.
[31] BRM was charged with a range of offences arising out of the execution of the search
warrant including the offences of cultivating cannabis, possessing a drug of
dependence (prescription drug Xanax), and trafficking a drug of dependence
(prescription drug Xanax). He later appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court
24 Chief Executive Officer, Department of Child Protection v Scott (No 2) (2008) WASCA 171, [23]
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where he pleaded guilty to those offences and was fined a total of $750 for all
offences. No convictions were recorded.
[32] Arising out of the execution of search warrant, BRM was also charged with
trafficking in cannabis, possession of cannabis and possessing a drug of dependence.
Those charges were later withdrawn when he pleaded guilty to the earlier mentioned
charges.
[33] I note that when offenders are punished by the courts and penalties imposed for
offences, the presiding judicial officer has the benefit of hearing all of the relevant
facts,25 including the offender’s antecedents and submissions on what should be the
appropriate penalty imposed. My observations of the penalties imposed for those
offences referenced above are that although at first blush the offences are recorded as
significantly serious in nature, the penalties imposed suggest that the presiding
magistrate placed BRM’s offending at the lesser end of seriousness.
[34] In discussing his past history, in particular his police information, BRM said that
quite some time ago he had unfortunately experimented with drugs and alcohol. He
accepted that at that time he often used those substances to excess. His drugs use
commenced in high school, and he excessively used cannabis for a period of time.
[35] There was a lack of emotional and psychological support from his family and peers
and along with his experimentation with alcohol and drugs, this led to not only the
abuse of those substances, but also those substances ultimately being linked to his
offending. He admitted and accepted that his motivation at that time to engage in
that type of behaviour was due to a lack of direction in his life as a young person, and
a lack of responsibility.
[36] In contrast, his main support is now derived from his partner, and his work
colleagues with whom he has a good personal relationship. He is about to become a
father for the first time in June 2022, and this has focused his life on his parental
responsibilities. He has the added benefit of his work colleagues who support him,
and to his knowledge those friends do not engage in the use of illicit substances or
excessively use alcohol.
[37] He described his own present use of alcohol as being ‘very rare’. He occasionally
consumes alcohol, usually on weekends but never to excess. In regard to his drug
use, he said that although at the time of his criminal behaviour he did use drugs to
excess, that is no longer the case. His last use of drugs was when he smoked
cannabis on a trip to a resort island in 2015.
[38] In regard to his use of prescription drugs, his previous use could be described as
rarely or hardly ever using that drug. His last association with prescription drugs was
over ten years ago. He provided to the Tribunal copies of negative drug tests which
supported his proposition that he was not using illicit substances.26
[39] Considering the evidence of his supporting witnesses, FMB, WAC and LFD and
what they individually said about their knowledge of BRM, I accept BRM’s evidence
that illicit drugs is no longer an issue in his life. I also accept that he has taken
25 Depending on which jurisdiction, the presiding judicial officer may be a Magistrate of Judge.
26 Exhibit 1.
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significant rehabilitative steps to distance himself from any use of illicit substances,
save for a lapse whilst on a trip to the resort island when he used cannabis.
[40] In discussing the entry on his police information relating to the possession of a
firearm, I note that he was extremely apologetic for behaving in the way that he did,
he said he meant no harm. He went on to say that during the night before that
incident, he had consumed a number of ecstasy tablets followed up with more tablets
on the morning of the incident. The firearm was an air rifle, he was heavily
intoxicated, and he had been shooting beer cans in his backyard. He acknowledged
and accepted that the people who were next-door would have been very concerned
about his behaviour and significant trauma could have been caused to others by his
actions.
[41] My observations of the facts relating to the firearm incident are that BRM was at
that time a much younger person who lacked maturity and insight as to the impact of
his behaviour on his own future, and also the adverse impact on others. I am
satisfied that since that time, his maturity has improved, albeit within a few short
years he was charged with drug offences.
[42] In respect to those drug offences, although the narrative of the wording of the
charges suggests a great deal of seriousness is attached to his offending, when
matched against the penalty imposed of a community based order and a relatively
small fine, I am of the view that his offending arose from his association with the
lifestyle he was otherwise captured in at that time.
Supporting evidence
[43] BRM relied on the evidence of FMB, WAC and LFD, who are his work colleagues
and his supervisor. FMB, WAC and LFD were all aware of the entries on BRM’s
police information and the reasons given by the respondent for issuing a negative
notice to him.
[44] FMB has known BRM for about six years. He considered that BRM was a person of
integrity and described him as being reliable, honest, friendly, helpful, courteous and
considerate. He has never witnessed BRM use any threats or intimidation towards
any other person and although BRM occasionally consumes a few beers while
watching football, he has never seen BRM lose control or get into any trouble
because of alcohol. Nor has he ever seen BRM use illicit substances.
[45] WAC told the tribunal that he has known BRM since early 2018 and for a period of
three years he was BRM’s direct supervisor. Ultimately, WAC was of the opinion
that the BRM recorded in the police information is not the same person he now
knows.
[46] LFD is the director of performance and planning at the company where BRM is
employed. LFD has known him since he commenced work in early 2018. LFD said
that BRM has always been open and honest within his communications with his
employer and there have never been any issues in regard to his work performance or
attitude towards others within the workplace. He considers BRM to be an
exceptionally hard worker who loves his job and is well respected by his work
colleagues and the company’s management.
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[47] It is clear from the evidence given in support of BRM that he was considered to be a
valued employee and someone who has the respect and admiration of the
management of the company for which he works. It appears from the comments
made by his supporters that BRM displays a significant improvement and maturity
and insight when taking into consideration his past behaviours.
Conclusion
[48] When arriving at the correct and preferable decision, and at the forefront of any
consideration of whether an exceptional case exists is the prevention of potential
future harm or risk to children. Any analysis and evaluation of the risk must be
based on all the evidence and other material properly before the Tribunal at the time
the review hearing.27 What is to be at the forefront of the decision is the principle of
preventing any potential future harm to the welfare and best interests of children.28
Notwithstanding those principles, the establishment of a potential future risk of harm
can only come about if the evidence supports a nexus of a current risk to children to
the issuing of a positive notice and blue card to BRM.29
[49] In regard to BRM, he has a criminal history. I consider to be the most significant
entries were his involvement in illicit drugs ten years ago, as well as a concerning
incident involving an air rifle fifteen years ago which resulted in him being charged
with affray and possession of a firearm whilst unlicenced. A consideration is
whether the commission of those offences gives rise to BRM’s case being
exceptional.
[50] What I consider to be an important development in BRM’s overall management of
his life since then, in particular since commencing his current employment in 2018
is the level of insight that he now possesses into the impact his past behaviours had
on other.
[51] As discussed on many previous occasions by this Tribunal, the principle arrived at in
Re TAA is a guide of what should be considered with respect to the issue of insight.
The former Children Services Tribunal helpfully explained that –
The issue of insight into the harm caused in these incidents is a critical
matter for the Tribunal. The Tribunal is of the view that good insight into the
harm that has been caused is a protective factor. A person aware of the
consequences of his actions on others is less likely to re-offend than a person
who has no insight into the effect of his actions on others. This is
particularly important with children because they are entirely dependent on
the adults around them having insight into their actions and the likely effect
on children.30
[52] Based on the available evidence, for determination is whether the merits of BRM’s
case sufficiently negates or overrides any consideration that his case is exceptional.
Having given due consideration to the facts, features and the evidence of this matter,
I am satisfied that considerable insight is now displayed by BRM into his past
behaviour. All of that leads to some comfort that he is now aware of the
27 Chief Executive Officer, Department of Child Protection v Scott (No 2) (2008) WASCA 171.
28 Chief Executive Officer, Department for Child Protection v Grindrod (No 2) [2008] WASCA 28, [84].
29 HAM v Director General, Department of Justice and Attorney General [2021] QCAT 28, [10].
30 Re TAA [2006] QCST 11, [97].
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consequences of not having insight into his behaviour, and the potential which the
use of alcohol, drugs and intimidatory behaviour poses to the future risk to children
should he be issued with a positive notice and blue card.
[53] Overall, I am satisfied that facts and circumstances of this matter do not provide
evidence to support the existence of a nexus of a current risk to children if a positive
notice and blue card were to be issued to BRM.
Non-publication decision
[54] Review hearings in regard to child related employment decisions pursuant to
Working with Children Act must always be held in private.31 Notwithstanding that,
there is no provision within the legislation for the de-identification of a party to the
proceedings.
[55] The Working with Children Act is an enabling Act that confers the review
jurisdiction on the Tribunal. Because the legislation is silent on the issue of de-
identification of parties, that responsibility falls within the ambit of the Queensland
Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld) (‘QCAT Act’).32
[56] Because neither of the parties applied for a de-identification order, the QCAT Act
allows for the Tribunal to exercise a discretion to de-identify the contents of a
document or other thing produced to the Tribunal;33 evidence given before the
Tribunal; or information that may enable a person who has appeared before the
Tribunal, or is affected by a proceeding, to be identified.34
[57] Being mindful of the sensitive nature of child related employment proceedings and
applying the appropriate regard to the principles just outlined, I am satisfied that the
publication of the contents of any document or other thing filed in or produced to the
Tribunal in these proceedings, and any evidence given to the Tribunal by any
witness should be prohibited to the extent that it could lead to the identity of BRM,
or any member of his family or any non-party to the proceedings.
31 Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 361.
32 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 66.
33 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 66(3).
34 Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 66(1).
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QCAT/2022/156