Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Queensland Health) [2022] ICQ 10
INDUSTRIAL COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Queensland Health)
[2022] ICQ 010
PARTIES: LINA SALEH AHMED ALGAHAMDI
(appellant)
v
STATE OF QUEENSLAND (QUEENSLAND HEALTH)
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: C/2021/13
PROCEEDING: Appeal
DELIVERED ON: 22 April 2022
HEARING DATE: 19 April 2022
MEMBER: Davis J, President
ORDER/S: 1. The appeal is dismissed.
2. The respondent file and serve by email upon the
appellant by 29 April 2022 any written submissions on
the costs of the appeal.
3. The appellant file and serve by email upon the
respondent by 13 May 2022 any written submissions on
the costs of the appeal.
4. Each party have leave to file and serve by 10 June 2022
any application for leave to make oral submissions as
to the costs of the appeal.
5. In the absence of any application to make oral
submissions on costs of the appeal being filed by 10
June 2022, the question of costs will be decided on any
written submissions filed and without further oral
hearing
CATCHWORDS: APPEAL AND NEW TRIAL - INTERFERENCE WITH
JUDGE’S FINDINGS OF FACT - INTERFERENCE WITH
DISCRETION OF THE COURT BELOW - where the
appellant instituted proceedings in the Queensland Industrial
Relations Commission (QIRC) for unfair dismissal - where
there was delay in prosecuting the application - where the
QIRC dismissed the application summarily - where the
appellant applied to reopen the unfair dismissal application -
where the QIRC dismissed that application - where the
appellant alleged that she had no notice of the application to
dismiss her unfair dismissal application - where the QIRC
found that she did have knowledge - whether that finding was
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correct - whether that finding was reviewable - where the
appellant alleged error in the exercise of discretion to dismiss
the application for reopening - whether error is shown
Industrial Relations Act 1999, s 72, s 73, s 74, s 79, s 80,
s 81, s 331
Industrial Relations Act 2016, s 316, s 484, s 557, s 559,
s 565, s 580
Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011, r 45
Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth)
CASES: Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland
Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC 223, related
Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1996)
186 CLR 541, cited
Comalco Aluminium (Bell Bay) Ltd v O’Connor (No 2)
(1995) 61 IR 455, followed
EB v CT (No 2) [2008] QSC 306, cited
Fowler v Workers’ Compensation Regulator [2019] QIRC
149, cited
J v L & A Services Pty Ltd (No 2) [1995] 2 Qd R 10, cited
Lee v Lee (2019) 266 CLR 129, followed
Mohr-Edgar v State of Queensland (Legal Aid Queensland)
[2020] QIRC 136, cited
O’Sullivan v Farrer (1989) 168 CLR 210, cited
Queensland Electricity Commission; Ex parte Electrical
Trade Union of Australia (1987) 61 ALJR 393, cited
R v O’Dempsey (No 3) [2017] QSC 338, cited
R v R (1989) 18 NSWLR 74, followed
R v Tait & Bartley (1979) 46 FLR 386, cited
Reg v Lawrence [1982] AC 510, cited
State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and
Health Service) v Algahamdi [2016] QIRC 057, related
TRG v Board of Trustees of the Brisbane Grammar School
(2020) 5 QR 440, cited
APPEARANCES: Dr Algahamdi appeared on her own behalf by video link from
the United States of America
L Grant for the respondent instructed by GR Cooper, Crown
Solicitor
[1] The appellant, Dr Lina Algahamdi, applied to reopen a decision of the QIRC made
on 19 May 2016 (the 2016 decision).1 Dr Algahamdi also sought suppression of
identifying particulars.
[2] On 22 June 2021, the application to set aside the 2016 decision was dismissed, and
suppression was not ordered. From those orders, she appealed.
1 State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) v Algahamdi [2016] QIRC
057.
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Background
[3] Dr Algahamdi is a medical doctor. She was employed by the Cairns and Hinterland
Hospital and Health Service (the Health Service) as a Senior House Officer. Her
employment was terminated on 19 May 2015.
[4] On 18 June 2015, Dr Algahamdi filed an application seeking reinstatement (the
reinstatement application). Solicitors were on the record for her in that application.
[5] All those events predated the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (the IR Act 2016). The
relevant legislation was the Industrial Relations Act 1999 (the IR Act 1999).
[6] Section 74 of the IR Act 1999 empowered an employee to make an application for
reinstatement if “the employee has been unfairly dismissed”. Section 73(1) provided:
“73 When is a dismissal unfair
(1) A dismissal is unfair if it is—
(a) harsh, unjust or unreasonable; or
(b) for an invalid reason. …”2
[7] Section 73(2) of the IR Act 1999 identified various “invalid reasons” for the purposes
of s 73(1)(b). Sections 79, 80 and 81 provided remedies other than reinstatement
which might be appropriate in certain prescribed circumstances once unfair dismissal
is established. Those remedies include payment of compensation3 and pecuniary
penalties.4
[8] Section 74 only granted a right to certain employees to make application for unfair
dismissal. Those were the employees not excluded by s 72. Those excluded by s 72
included those described in s 72(1)(d) as:
“(d) an employee engaged for a specific period or task …”
[9] On 24 February 2016, the Health Service filed an application to dismiss
Dr Algahamdi’s application for reinstatement (the dismissal application). That was
brought on two bases.
[10] Firstly, the Health Service alleged that Dr Algahamdi was not an employee who had
a right to bring an application for reinstatement under s 74 of the IR Act 1999. This,
it was submitted, was because the contract of employment which Dr Algahamdi had
entered into had a “commencement date” of 5 October 2014 and an “end date” of 17
January 2016. The Health Service argued that Dr Algahamdi was engaged “for a
specific period” and therefore fell within the exception prescribed by s 72(1)(d) of the
IR Act 1999.
[11] Secondly, the Health Service argued that it was not in the public interest for the
application to continue. That was because Dr Algahamdi was showing no interest in
prosecuting it.
2 Similar to Industrial Relations Act 2016, s 316.
3 Section 79.
4 Sections 80 and 81.
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[12] That second argument was founded in s 331 of the IR Act 1999. It provided:
“331 Decisions generally
The court or commission may, in an industrial cause—
(a) make a decision it considers just, and include in the
decision a provision it considers appropriate for
preventing or settling the industrial dispute, or dealing
with the industrial matter, the cause relates to, without
being restricted to any specific relief claimed by the
parties to the cause; or
(b) dismiss the cause, or refrain from hearing, further
hearing, or deciding the cause, if the court or commission
considers—
(i) the cause is trivial; or
(ii) further proceedings by the court or commission are
not necessary or desirable in the public interest; or
(c) order a party to the cause to pay another party the
expenses, including witness expenses, it considers
appropriate.” (emphasis added)
[13] Rule 45 of the Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011, as they then stood,
authorised the QIRC to dismiss proceedings in certain circumstances. Rule 45
provided:
“45 Failure to attend or to comply with directions order
(1) This rule applies if -
(a) a party to a proceeding receives notice of a
directions order made by the court, commission or
registrar stating a time, date and place for a hearing
or conference for the proceeding; and
(b) the party fails to attend the hearing or conference.
(2) This rule also applies if -
(a) a party to a proceeding receives notice of a
directions order made by the court, commission or
registrar; and
(b) the party fails to comply with the order.
(3) The court, commission or registrar may -
(a) dismiss the proceeding; or
(b) make a further directions order; or
(c) make another order dealing with the proceeding
that the court, commission or registrar considers
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appropriate, including, for example, a final order;
or
(d) make orders under paragraphs (b) and (c).”
[14] The dismissal application came before Deputy President O’Connor (as the Vice
President then was) on 16 March 2016. Dr Algahamdi did not appear. The
reinstatement application was dismissed on 19 May 2016.5
[15] After considering a number of cases which need not be analysed here, O’Connor DP
held:
1. Dr Algahamdi was not an employee “engaged for a specific period”;6
2. Dr Algahamdi was not excluded by s 72 of the IR Act 1999 from the class of
employees who might make an application for reinstatement under s 74;7
3. Dr Algahamdi therefore had standing to bring an application for reinstatement.
[16] As already observed, Dr Algahamdi did not appear on the dismissal application
before O’Connor DP who found:
1. Dr Algahamdi’s legal representatives, who were the lawyers on the record,
were served with the dismissal application on 24 February 2016;8
2. Dr Algahamdi’s legal representatives were, on 29 February 2016, informed of
the date of the hearing of the dismissal application by the Registrar;9
3. Dr Algahamdi’s legal representatives advised the Health Service’s lawyers on
4 March 2016 that they no longer held instructions from Dr Algahamdi and she
should be contacted directly;10
4. emails were sent to Dr Algahamdi on each of 8 March 2016, 9 March 2016, 15
March 2016 and 16 March 2016;11
5. Dr Algahamdi was therefore advised of the date of hearing of the dismissal
application;12
6. Dr Algahamdi’s non-appearance was not explained.13
[17] On the basis of those findings, DP O’Connor dismissed the reinstatement application
and said, “… it would not be in the public interest for [the proceedings] to continue”.14
That finding broadly follows the language of s 331 of the IR Act 1999 which forms
the jurisdictional basis for the order.
5 State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) v Algahamdi [2016] QIRC
057.
6 At [37].
7 At [37].
8 State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) v Algahamdi [2016] QIRC
057 at [45].
9 At [45].
10 At [45].
11 At [45].
12 At [45] and [51].
13 At [43].
14 At [53].
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[18] On 16 November 2020, some four and a half years after the reinstatement application
was dismissed, Dr Algahamdi filed an application where she sought the following
orders in relation to the 2016 decision:
“1. Set aside the decision made.
2. Suppress my name and all my personal information from
publication.
3. Arrange for hearing and start the process from the beginning.”
[19] As the application challenging the 2016 decision was made to the QIRC, it was
regarded as an application to reopen the reinstatement application,15 rather than on
appeal which would be heard by this Court.16
[20] There was no application to extend time to appeal the 2016 decision. Whether or not
an application to reopen the reinstatement application was the appropriate procedural
step (as opposed to an appeal out of time) is a matter of some doubt. However, the
parties proceeded on the basis that it was.
[21] The reopening application was the subject of a directions hearing on 1 December
2020 but was not the subject of an oral hearing. The application was decided on the
papers by Industrial Commissioner Dwyer on 22 June 2021.17
[22] Industrial Commissioner Dwyer made the following orders:
“1. The application to reopen proceedings is dismissed;
2. The application for the suppression is dismissed; and
3. Any application as to costs is to be made within 14 days of the
date of this decision.”
[23] No costs application was made by either party.
Industrial Commissioner Dwyer’s reasons
[24] The Industrial Commissioner recorded Dr Algahamdi’s submissions as:
“• She only became aware of the decision in October 2020 through
‘media’;
• She was not provided an opportunity to participate in the
proceedings18 as she never received any notice or details
regarding the proceedings from the Commission, the
respondent, or her solicitor who ceased acting for her;
• She left Australia within a week of the termination of her
employment due to visa requirements, which the respondent
was aware of and did not disclose to the Commission;
15 Industrial Relations Act 2016, s 484.
16 Industrial Relations Act 2016, s 557.
17 Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC
223.
18 A reference to the dismissal application.
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• As a result of the published 'biased unfair' decision and
‘unlawful defamation’, she has ‘lost many high-profile’ jobs
and ‘other formal Academic degree offer’; and
• Publishing her name is of no public interest and is only
defamatory.”19
And:
“• Service via email is not an acceptable method of service under
the Industrial Relations (Tribunals) Rules 2011 (Qld) (‘the
Rules’) and she should have been contacted via telephone or
post;
• The respondent mislead the Commission by failing to advise it
that she was not in Australia;
• Upon checking her inbox and junk mail, no emails were
received from either the respondent or the Commission;
• The outcome of the decision would have been different had she
been given the chance to participate; and
• She attaches various medical practicing licences which she
contests are negatively affected by the ‘defamation’ through
publication of the decision.”20
[25] It was common ground that Dr Algahamdi’s solicitors purported to provide
Dr Algahamdi’s email address and in fact provided an incorrect address. However,
the correct address was used in the attempts to reach Dr Algahamdi on 29 February
2016, 8 March 2016, 9 March 2016, 15 March 2016 and 16 March 2016.21
[26] The Industrial Commissioner made a series of factual findings against Dr Algahamdi.
They were:
1. Although Dr Algahamdi had left Australia shortly after the reinstatement
application was filed, she knew that the application was on foot.22
2. She took no steps to prosecute it.23
3. Dr Algahamdi received emails in 2016 and knew that the dismissal application
was being made.24
[27] The Industrial Commissioner referred to a submission that the Health Service would
suffer prejudice if the reinstatement proceedings were reopened.25 While no specific
prejudice was pointed to, it was submitted that there was a general risk that witnesses
19 Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC
223 at [15].
20 At [18].
21 At [7].
22 At [28].
23 At [29].
24 At [7] and [34].
25 At [23].
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would either be unavailable or their recollections will have decayed.26 No specific
finding as to prejudice to the Health Service was made by the Industrial
Commissioner. He found that there was no prejudice to Dr Algahamdi if the
reinstatement application was not reopened. Of course, she would lose any right to
litigate that application and that would be prejudicial. The Industrial Commissioner
was clearly referring to issues of prejudice beyond that.
[28] Industrial Commissioner Dwyer directed himself to the principles concerning the
exercise of discretion to reopen a case as explained by Applegarth J in EB v CT
(No 2)27 and by Merrell DP in Fowler v Workers’ Compensation Regulator.28 The
Industrial Commissioner then exercised his discretion in favour of dismissing the
reopening application, summarising the position as:
“[37] I find no evidence that the interest of justice would be better
served by allowing the reopening of Dr Alghamdi’s
reinstatement application. On the contrary. After an
unexplained delay of approximately five years, with no
evidence of any prejudice flowing to Dr Alghamdi, it is my view
that the interest of justice are best served by reinforcing the
finality of the matter that was achieved by the respondents in
2016.”29
[29] Whether or not to make a suppression order was also a matter of discretion for the
Industrial Commissioner. Section 580 of the IR Act 2016 provides, relevantly:
“580 Confidential material tendered in evidence
…
(5) The court, commission or registrar may direct—
(a) a report, or part of a report, of proceedings in an
industrial cause not be published; or
(b) evidence given, records tendered or things
exhibited in proceedings for an industrial cause be
withheld from release or search.
(6) The direction may prohibit the publication, release or
search absolutely, or except on conditions ordered by the
court, commission or registrar.
(7) The direction may be given if the court, commission or
registrar considers—
(a) disclosure of the matter would not be in the public
interest; or
26 This is the type of general prejudice identified by Lord Hailsham in Reg v Lawrence [1982] AC 510
where his Lordship observed “Where there is delay the whole quality of justice deteriorates”. At 517,
followed by McHugh J in Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1996) 186 CLR 541 at
551.
27 [2008] QSC 306.
28 [2019] QIRC 149 at [40]-[41].
29 Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC
223 at [37].
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(b) persons, other than parties to the cause, do not have
a sufficient legitimate interest in being informed of
the matter. …”
[30] The Industrial Commissioner directed his mind to the open justice principle30 as
relevant to the consideration of the exercise of discretion. He considered
Dr Algahamdi’s assertions of prejudice, in particular:
“• She is aggrieved and badly affected by the decision and her
career internationally is compromised;
• As a result of the publication of the decision, she has lost jobs
and academic degree offers;
• She has lost all of her international medical licences; and
• The publication of her name in a decision is of no public
interest, but rather defamatory and misleads readers.”31
[31] The Industrial Commissioner ultimately considered that Dr Algahamdi did no more
than point to a desire “to save [herself] from loss of privacy, embarrassment, distress,
financial harm …”.32 On that basis, the Industrial Commissioner dismissed the
application for a suppression order.
The appeal
[32] The appeal is mounted pursuant to s 557 of the IR Act 2016. It provides, relevantly:
“557 Appeal from commission33
(1) The Minister or another person aggrieved by a decision
of the commission may appeal against the decision to the
court on the ground of—
(a) error of law; or
(b) excess, or want, of jurisdiction.
(2) Also, the Minister or another person aggrieved by a
decision of the commission may appeal against the
decision to the court, with the court’s leave, on a ground
other than—
(a) error of law; or
(b) excess, or want, of jurisdiction. …
30 See generally R v O’Dempsey (No 3) [2017] QSC 338 at [2] and [3].
31 Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC
223 at [39].
32 Algahamdi v State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) [2021] QIRC
223 at [48] following J v L & A Services Pty Ltd (No 2) [1995] 2 Qd R 10, in turn following R v Tait
& Bartley (1979) 46 FLR 386 and Industrial Commissioner Pidgeon’s judgment in Mohr-Edgar v State
of Queensland (Legal Aid Queensland) [2020] QIRC 136 at [9].
33 A reference to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Industrial Relations Act 2016,
s 557(5).
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(4) If a person may appeal a decision of the commission
under both subsections (1) and (2), the person may only
appeal against the decision with the court’s leave on a
ground mentioned in subsection (2). …”
[33] While Dr Algahamdi mentions that she seeks to rely on grounds beyond errors of law
or excess or want of jurisdiction, she may only do that by leave. The circumstances
in which leave may be given are prescribed by s 565 of the IR Act 2016 which is in
these terms:
“565 When leave for appeal must be given
If an application for leave to appeal is made under section 554,
557 or 560, the Court of Appeal, court or full bench—
(a) must give leave if it is satisfied it is in the public interest
to do so; and
(b) may not give leave other than under paragraph (a).”
[34] Dr Algahamdi identified public interest issues as:
“14) Acting in the public interest has two separate components:
•Objectives and outcomes - that the objectives and outcomes of the
decision-maker process are in the public interest, and
•Process and procedure - that the process adopted, and procedures
followed by decision makers in exercising their discretionary powers
are in the public interest.
15) This also includes any decision must be made with operating
principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.
16) None of above was applied in this case which led to prejudice
outcome to me. Commissioner used the exact same concept of public
interest in refusing to omit my name from publication that came out
of process that I never been part of. He eared in applying concept of
public interest ‘selectively’.”34
[35] Considerations of “public interest” do not exclude the interests of parties to the
litigation. The purpose of the reference in a statute to “public interest” is to ensure
that private interests are not the only matters taken into account.35 The public has an
interest in the system of resolving industrial disputes being conducted properly.36
[36] However, both the 2016 decision and the decision under appeal evidence completely
conventional approaches by the Industrial Commissioners who decided the
applications. Dr Algahamdi, in her written submissions,37 suggests bias by Dwyer
34 Emphasis in original. The submissions are quoted directly, inclusive of spelling and grammatical
errors.
35 Comalco Aluminium (Bell Bay) Ltd v O’Connor (No 2) (1995) 61 IR 455 a 479.
36 Queensland Electricity Commission; Ex parte Electrical Trade Union of Australia (1987) 61 ALJR
393 at 395 per Mason CJ, Wilson and Dawson JJ and see generally O’Sullivan v Farrer (1989) 168
CLR 210 at 216.
37 But not in relation to any of the six stated grounds.
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IC. There is no evidence to suggest any such thing. The present appeal raises no
issues beyond those between the parties to the appeal. I refuse leave under s 557(2)
of the IR Act. Dr Algahamdi’s appeal is limited to grounds establishing error of
law.38
[37] In her written submissions, Dr Algahamdi identified six grounds of appeal. They are:
Ground 1 (Anti-Discrimination Act and Fair Work Act) were totally ignored in
this decision;
Ground 2 Standard of evidence evaluation by commissioner;
Ground 3 Service and Execution of Process Act (SEPA);
Ground 4 Publication of decision;
Ground 5 Unpaid wages claim (case B/2021/37);
Ground 6 Amendment of unlawful dismissal application.
[38] These grounds are explained in Dr Algahamdi’s submissions. Schedule 1 to these
reasons contains the relevant parts of her submissions.
[39] Ground 1 is misconceived. At best, these arguments could only be relevant to the
reinstatement application itself. What is under consideration here is the decision not
to reopen the reinstatement application.
[40] Ground 2 is self-evidently concerned with only factual errors.
[41] Ground 3 is misconceived. The Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth)
concerns the service of proceedings within Australia. The dismissal application was
validly served on solicitors on the record for Dr Algahamdi in Queensland. After
service of the application, they sought to withdraw, and one consideration in the
dismissal application was whether or not Dr Algahamdi knew of the hearing date for
the application so she could arrange for some appearance on her behalf. The
Industrial Commissioner found that she did know of the dismissal application.
[42] Ground 4 again raises the Anti-Discrimination Act which is not relevant to the appeal.
The publication of a judgment is not “defamatory”.
[43] Ground 5 concerns an unpaid wages claim which is also irrelevant to the appeal. In
oral submissions before me, Dr Algahamdi submitted that issues concerning her
unfair dismissal will arise on her unpaid wages claim. Therefore, it is pointless, she
submitted, to not allow the unfair dismissal claim to proceed. That submission should
be rejected. The issue here is whether Dwyer IC committed legal error. Any
Industrial Commissioner hearing the unpaid wages case will rule on the effect on that
case of the dismissal of the reinstatement application.
[44] Ground 6 concerns an amendment to the principal application, being the
reinstatement application. That is not relevant to the matters on the current appeal.
[45] In supplementary submissions, Dr Algahamdi makes a number of allegations,
including an apprehension of bias, various matters going to the merit of the
38 There being no suggestion that the decision was without or beyond jurisdiction.
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reinstatement application, and various allegations that the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights has been breached. As to the suppression aspect,
Dr Algahamdi mentions that she had been blackmailed. She also makes allegations
of criminal conduct against Queensland Health. None of these things are relevant to
the exercise of discretion by Dwyer IC.
[46] As observed earlier, the Industrial Commissioner made findings of fact against
Dr Algahamdi. They included that she received the emails notifying her of the
hearing date for the dismissal application. The Industrial Commissioner found that
she knew that the reinstatement application was on foot but did nothing for four and
a half years to prosecute it. Those findings are inferences drawn from the evidence.
The Industrial Commissioner did not hear witnesses so I am in as good as position as
him to draw those inferences (or not). Had this been an appeal by way of rehearing,
the question would have been whether I considered those inferences ought to be
drawn.39
[47] However, the appeal here is one only on error of law or excess or want of jurisdiction.
Therefore, the issue is whether the drawing of the inferences was legally open on the
evidence before the Industrial Commissioner.40 Here, those inferences were clearly
open.
[48] Once it is accepted that Dr Algahamdi ignored the dismissal application and indeed
ignored the whole proceedings for four and a half years, the exercise of discretion
against reopening is not only well open, but almost inevitable.
[49] No error in exercise of the discretion is shown.
[50] There is also no error shown in relation to the dismissal of the suppression application.
The Industrial Commissioner:
1. turned his mind to the relevance and importance of the open justice
considerations;
2. considered the alleged prejudice to Dr Algahamdi. In relation to the references
in the 2016 decision to restrictions in Dr Algahamdi’s registration, he observed
that was a matter of public record no matter what was decided in the QIRC. In
relation to the reference in the 2016 decision to the grounds of termination of
her employment, he observed that they were not asserted in the 2016 decision
to be proved allegations;41
3. balanced those factors and, in exercise of discretion, did not make a suppression
order.
Conclusions
[51] Dr Algahamdi has not shown error in the decision under appeal and the appeal ought
to be dismissed.
39 Lee v Lee (2019) 266 CLR 129 at [55] followed in TRG v Board of Trustees of the Brisbane Grammar
School (2020) 5 QR 440 at [39].
40 R v R (1989) 18 NSWLR 74.
41 State of Queensland (Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service) v Algahamdi [2016] QIRC
057 at [9]; reference to “according to the applicant”: the applicant was the Health Service.
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[52] Directions should be made as to costs.
Orders
1. The appeal is dismissed.
2. The respondent file and serve by email upon the appellant by 29 April 2022
any written submissions on the costs of the appeal.
3. The appellant file and serve by email upon the respondent by 13 May 2022 any
written submissions on the costs of the appeal.
4. Each party have leave to file and serve by 10 June 2022 any application for
leave to make oral submissions as to the costs of the appeal.
5. In the absence of any application to make oral submissions on costs of the
appeal being filed by 10 June 2022, the question of costs will be decided on
any written submissions filed and without further oral hearing.
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Schedule 1
17) Grounds of this appeal
Ground 1 (Anti discrimination Act and Fair work Act) were totally ignored in this
decision.
a) Commissioner totally ignored that I was hired by QLD health as a visa holder (457
Skilled Immigrant visa) that was sponsored by and cancelled by my employer QLD health,
who is the respondent in this case. I am also of racial distant who was hired by a known
racist medical director.
b) This make my case is governed by different rules and Acts such, Fair work Act and
anti discrimination Act. QLD health who terminated my employment (unlawfully and
before minimum required time) did capitalize on the fact that they cancelled my visa which
lead to obstruct me from participating in decision made by QIRC in 2016.
b) QLD health, upon termination of my employment, reported cancellation of visa to
Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA), given that they were my sponsor. QLD knew
that I will not be able to remain in Australia in order to participate in the case.
Commissioner decision did total ignorance of this fact.
c) Commissioner had evidence before him that I did participate effectively in early stage
of action when I was in Australia (during 28 days period before I must leave) yet he
totally ignored this fact. This evidence was brought up in submission of respondent.
d) (E.g) Webster v Mercury College (2011). In this case, The FWC found that in addition
to a lack of procedural fairness (Mr Webster was not given an opportunity to respond
to the allegations of gross misconduct).
e) Commissioner failed to address all of above in his reasoning and he even failed to
hypothetically propose alternative options to my unique situation in terms of
following up on the case.
Ground 2 Standard of evidence evaluation by commissioner
a) Commissioner erred in demanding, beyond reasonable doubt evidence, that unlawful
defamation of my name led to years of career damage and even educational opportunity
loss. He gave no weight to clear letter from chiropractic collage that I submitted as evidence
and the letter clearly linked my defamed name by QIRC publication to decision made by
collage in terminating my acceptance as a student. The letter also required I sign no discloser
in exchange for refunding me $500.
f) The stander of evidence I provided in this industrial “civil dispute” was of more likely
than not type and on balance of properties which should suffice or at least to be given some
weight as evidence. This wasn’t the case.
g) On the opposite extreme, commissioner accepted the false allegation that I was served
with dates of hearing of this matter in 2016 “which never been the case” by relying on email
address and one affidavit. Commissioner used kind of attenuated evidentiary requirements
to proffer that I was served which is not exist in rules of serving.
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h) Commissioner and respondent could never proof that I was “effectively” served with
procedure listing via emails. Burden of proof of service is on respondent and QIRC, not on
me. Commissioner did serious error in law by shifting burden of proof to me.
i) Finally on this issue, I am submitting exhibit 1 in this submission as further new
evidence shows that I am currently subject of blackmail by a lawyer of a defendant “in
another matter and another country” who I am suing for assault and battery. The lawyer is
referring to QLD published “baseless” defamation asking that I drop the case against his
criminal defendant.
Ground 3 Service and Execution of Process Act (SEPA)
3) Serving mode is not discretionary but rather it must follow the rule that is designed
for service on person in another country. There is only one accepted way of serving which
I raised in my submission. Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 is the only way of
serving in my case.
“Serve proceedings in another state will render service entirely invalid unless the strict
requirements of ss 9 and 10 of SEPA are adhered to”.
4) Commissioner eared in ignoring this “mandatory” way of serving and in fact he even
avoids reflecting on this argument all together.
Ground 4: publication of decision
a) Commissioner erred in totally ignoring the fact that my proceeding is under Anti
discrimination Act. In fact terminating employment of 457 visa holder alone is
considered harsh and unfair dismissal as per fair work Act. Additionally, terminating
employment without any reason then cancel visas of employee is at the extreme of
harshness.
b) Publication of decision and my name is an act of defamation, given no procedural
steps were followed such as notice, report to AHPRA.
c) Industrial Relations Bill 2016 addressed the situation in which publication is not
supposed to be in full for procedures that are under Anti Discrimination Act.
Practically, there is no requirement for the QIRC to provide written reasons for not
publishing my name if it was decided. However, commissioner erred in relying on
public interest matter (only) and ignoring Anti Discrimination Act. He did not balance
rights and obligations. There are competing rights in this situation and mine wasn’t
considered.
Ground 5: unpaid wages claim (case B/2021/37)
I have ongoing, unpaid wages claim at QIRC that I filed recently, within 6 years allowed
timeframe. This claim is very contingent to case of unfair dismissal in order to decide about
the category of unpaid wages to be claimed (breach of contract or unpaid wages for work
or theft wages for sham contracting) . This means that if case not heard “re-opened” no fare
decision or even any “unpaid wages” claim can be addressed.
This make further dismissal of the case without full hearing is of very aggravated prejudice
outcome because it will impact my, within time and jurisdiction, unpaid wages application.
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This will be a serious violation of natural justice and total ignorance of basic procedural
fairness.
Practically “'unpaid wages” claim was listed for hearing on 19/7/2021 but it was adjourned
pending on result of this appeal.
Unpaid wages I am claiming are:
a) within principle in Tweddell and
b) claim for damages for breach of contract, which can only be heard by Industrial
Magistrate under the combined effect of s 5.3(a)(vi) and s 17.20 of the Industrial
Relations Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act'”.
Both necessitate the matter to be heard as pre-request to “clearly and fairly” proceed with
un paid wages claim.
Ground 6 Amendment of unlawful dismissal application:
Application made in 2016 by a lawyer from “Avant - Medical Indemnity Insurance for
doctors”, without me sighting his submission, It is likely that he addressed unfair dismissal
but he did not address “unlawful termination of contract” and discrimination issue. Fixing
this issue can only happen through amendment which is within the jurisdiction of court not
commission. I would like to request full hearing and allow the following amendment in
addition to unfair dismissal:
a) Breach of general protections b) Unlawful termination and c) Sham contracting
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/ICQ/2022/010