[2024] WADC 60
General information, not legal advice.
District Court of WA
2024-08-09
Original judgment source is linked above.
What you've got to prove is that the refusal of licence would deprive you of - you or a member of your family of obtaining urgent medical treatment for an illness, disease or disability known to be suffered by you or one of your or both of your family. There's no problem with you showing that there's an illness, disease or disability. The question is ... is that urgent medical treatment?
Dear Sir or Madam, Please consider giving a Temporary Driving Licence to my son Christopher Messer. Unfortunately, I have not been able to drive recently due to a Mamogram and dizzy spells. I hope to recover shortly. My Husband Paul is not able to Drive. On behalf of Paul and Myself We ask that you grant him a Temp Licence. As we can then get to Medical and other Appointments. Thank you so much, Maureen Messer [sic].
To Judge. Dear Sir. Please consider giving a Tempery Driving Licence to Our Son C.D Messer. Both his father Paul and myself Maureen have Unfortunately Not been able to drive our cars in recent times Due to Paul being Diagnosed with Alzheimers and Dementia and unable to pass The Expected Driving Test as Required. Myself have problems with my Right arm after having a Masectomy and am still feeling a little weak. Also get Dizzy Spells and having Balance problems. I hope that I shall recover shortly. These problems are difficult whilst Chris is not able to take us to Drs & Hospital Visits. We ask that you consider him to get a Temporary Drivers Licence To enable My husband and myself to get to Appointments. Your faithfully M Messer [sic].
To whom it may concern, Is it possible to give Mr Messer and [sic] extraordinary licence to permit him to drive his elderly frail parents to doctors appointment and other appointments. His mother is being treated for breast cancer and his father has dementia. Christopher informs me his father is unable to use public transport or taxi's due to his dementia. Christopher informs me his mother is unable to use public transport or taxi's as she is a high falls-risk.
Yours faithfully
Dr Shaun Sinclair
(a) his mother had a stroke 18 months to two years prior;
(b) after that, his brother and sister came to Perth from the south-west to help transport their mother to medical appointments;
(c) four to six months prior, she had a fall in which she broke three ribs, fractured the bone above her eye, got two black eyes, got concussion, and had to be taken to Royal Perth Hospital;
(d) a couple of months prior, his mother had a fall in the shower;
(f) his mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer;
(g) four to five months prior she had a breast removed;
(h) she has to have ongoing checkups with her specialist at Joondalup Hospital, but did not know the date;
(j) she also has problems with her toes and has to go to a podiatrist every three weeks;
(k) she holds a driver's licence, but of late she does not drive;
(l) his mother had driven him to court and had nearly crashed;
(m) he has concerns about his mother's ability to drive;
(p) his father has another appointment scheduled with Dr Kawryshanker in a couple of weeks; and
(q) his parents would probably have three appointments a week.
(a) was satisfied that both of Mr Messer's parents suffered from an illness, disease or disability namely, that Mr Messer's father suffered from dementia and Mr Messer's mother suffered from breast cancer;
(b) was satisfied that Mr Messer's mother's breast cancer was 'significant' on the basis that she was required to have a mastectomy at some point during the last 'four months or so', but that this must have occurred prior to September 2023 (given the reference in Dr Kawryshanker's letter);
(c) had regard to the handwritten letter of Mr Messer's mother which refer to a 'mammogram' and 'dizzy spells';
(d) accepted that Mr Messer's parents are elderly, both being in their eighties; and
(e) took judicial notice of the fact that dementia would not improve.
I am satisfied, for the reasons that I've outlined, that they do have an illness, disease or disability, and that it does require medical treatment, and I've outlined that, as well. In terms of considering whether it's urgent, I note that the legislation does not define the term urgent. So it takes on its ordinary meaning. The case of RSR does refer to the dictionary meaning of that word, in paragraph 28. And given the nature (indistinct) I do accept that they do have pressing medical needs. And Mr Messer also gave some evidence about that. I appreciate that that is not specifically outlined in great detail from the medical practitioners, but it's apparent, given that the detail that is contained in that letter from September, that there is ongoing treatment required by both of them.
... In considering whether the refusal for the application would deprive Mr Messer of the means of obtaining that treatment for his parents, it is apparent from the material that his father is unable to drive.
It is apparent from the material that his mother has had a [mastectomy], and he has given evidence of the difficulties that she has experienced with that, and she herself has also provided that material in her letters, which have been accepted as evidence. So I am satisfied that the refusal would deprive them of obtaining that treatment. So I am satisfied that Mr Messer has, on the balance of probabilities, established that test contained in section 30.
I note, and I do accept, that there are, really, realistically, no other means for him to obtain urgent medical treatment. They are unable to travel on public transport. I'm satisfied of that. I'm also satisfied that although there are family members who are able to assist, that they don't live in the metropolitan area. And given the regularity, which Mr Messer has given evidence about, their needs for medical treatment, I'm satisfied that it is appropriate, in all the circumstances, and having regard to all the factors and the test in section 30 of the relevant legislation, that the licence ought to be granted.
On payment of the prescribed fee to issue an extraordinary licence CLASS C until 12 September 2024 solely to drive a motor vehicle to and from your home to pre-arranged medical appointments and pre-arranged medical treatment for Paul Messer (DOB 21/3/1941) or Maureen Messer (DOB 7/8/1939) during the hours of 8.30 am to 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays inclusive
THE EXTRAORDINARY LICENCE IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Restricted to drive within a 45 kilometre radius of Joondalup Court.
Licence to be carried at all times whilst in control of a motor vehicle.
To comply with the Road Traffic Act 1974 and Regulations.
Not to drive with a blood alcohol content exceeding 0.00%.
To maintain and carry a log book showing time and place of departure, purpose of journey and proposed destination.
To display "E" plates of the same type and dimensions and in the same manner as the "L and P" plates provided for in the Traffic Regulations and as approved by the Department of Transport whilst driving.
To provide on request of WA Police, written confirmation of pre-arranged medical appointments and medical treatment.
(a) a letter from Mrs Messer dated 18 July 2024, providing an update as to her medical condition; and
(b) a letter from a Dr Cornelis Buma, his parents' general practitioner, providing information as to their medical conditions.
Counsel for Mr Messer invited the court to take this evidence into account in the event that the court formed the view that the Magistrate erred, and that the EDL should be set aside. Accordingly, I return to this question once I have determined whether the Appeal ought to be allowed.
(a) there was insufficient evidence before the Court upon which her Honour could have been satisfied that the medical treatment was 'urgent'; and/or
(b) there was insufficient evidence before the Court upon which her Honour could have been satisfied that the refusal of the application would deprive the applicant's parents of the means of obtaining medical treatment.
Where findings or conclusions involve elements of fact, degree, opinion or judgment, the demonstration of error may not be straightforward. The difficulty in doing so may arise in part from the unwillingness of the appeal court to be persuaded that it is in as good a position as the trial judge to deal with the issues, or because the nature of the issue is one such that, while not a discretion, there cannot be said to be one correct answer. In such cases the availability of a different view, indeed even perhaps the preference of the appeal court for a different view, may not be alone sufficient to demonstrate error. The conclusion of error will not necessarily be arrived at merely because of a preference of view of the appeal court for some fact or facts contrary to the view reached by the trial judge. Nevertheless, even if the question is one of impression or judgment, a sufficiently clear difference of opinion may necessitate the conclusion that the trial judge was wrong, and that the appeal court must interfere.
Did the Magistrate err in finding that the precondition in RTAD Act s 30(4)(a) had been satisfied?
(a) either Mr Messer Snr or Mrs Messer had an illness, disease or disability;
(b) that the illness, disease or disability required medical treatment;
(d) the refusal of the Application would deprive Mr Messer of 'the means' to obtain the urgent medical treatment.
Should the court grant leave for Mr Messer to adduce further evidence?
It is evident that so far as the material in that affidavit is sought by the appellant to be admitted on the appeal, it is in the nature of new evidence, rather than fresh evidence; that is, it is evidence which, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, could have been discovered by the appellant prior to the hearing before the magistrate of the application to set aside the default judgment.
A heavy onus lies on an appellant who seeks to have new evidence admitted on appeal. It will normally be incumbent upon the appellant to provide an explanation as to why the evidence was not led at first instance. Where the evidence was deliberately withheld, that will be a factor which weighs heavily against the admission of the evidence on appeal ... Even where that is not the case, ordinarily the court will refuse to admit new evidence on appeal unless the court is satisfied that the new evidence would have led to a different outcome if it had been led below. That is because unless that condition is satisfied it will seldom, if ever, be in the interests of justice to deprive the respondent of the orders made below and to put that person to the expense, inconvenience and worry of a new trial (or in this case, of a full trial): ...
On an appeal of the present kind, this court may give leave for additional evidence to be admitted only in exceptional circumstances: Magistrates Court (Civil Proceedings) Act, s 42(3)(c), s 42(4). It is not helpful to attempt to describe what would constitute 'exceptional circumstances' for the purpose of s 42(3)(c). The variety of circumstances that might arise is inexhaustible and restating the statutory test in different words would serve no useful purpose. It is sufficient to say that in this case no exceptional circumstances have been made out.
I certify that the preceding paragraph(s) comprise the reasons for decision of the District Court of Western Australia.
[1] The Magistrates Court file is before the District Court by way of an electronic matter book. References to pages of the Matter Book will be 'MB#'.
[2] Director General of Department of Transport v McKenzie [2016] WASCA 147 [52] (Buss P, with whom Murphy JA & Beech J agreed) (McKenzie).
[5] Chief Executive Officer, Department of Transport v RSR [2018] WADC 140 (RSR).
[6] RSR [22] (Lonsdale DCJ), citing Ramsay v Watson [1961] HCA 65; (1961) 108 CLR 642, 645 (Dixon CJ, McTiernan, Kitto, Taylor & Windeyer JJ).
[10] RSR [29], by analogy to the reasoning of McLure P in Napier v BHP Billiton (Worsley Alumina) Pty Ltd [2015] WASCA 230; (2015) 49 WAR 243 [102] - [104] in the context of the phrase 'medical treatment' in s 17(1) of the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 (WA).
[11] As I did in Pollard v Department of Transport [2021] WADC 110 [45] (Gething DCJ) (Pollard).
[27] Magistrates Court (Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 (WA) s 40(3) (MCCPA).
[28] MCCPA s 40(4)(a).
[29] MCCPA s 40(4)(b), s 40(5).
[30] District Court Rules 2005 (WA) r 50(1) (DCR).
[31] Smart v Power [2019] WASCA 106 [100] (judgment of the court) (Smart).
[32] Coal and Allied Operations Pty Ltd v Australian Industrial Relations Commission [2000] HCA 47; (2000) 203 CLR 194 [13] (Gleeson CJ, Gaudron & Hayne JJ) (Coal and Allied).
[33] Coal and Allied [14]; Allesch v Maunz [2000] HCA 40; (2000) 203 CLR 172 at [23] (Gaudron, McHugh, Gummow & Hayne JJ) (Allesch); Saunders v The Public Trustee [2015] WASCA 203 [84] (Mitchell J, with whom Buss JA & Beech J agreed).
[34] Allesch [23]; Marks v Coles Supermarkets [2021] WASCA 176 [124] (judgment of the court) (Marks); Binningup Nominees Pty Ltd v Mirvac (WA) Pty Ltd [2021] WASCA 130 [460] (judgment of the court).
[35] Robinson Helicopter Co Inc v McDermott [2016] HCA 22; (2016) 90 ALJR 679 (2016) 331 ALR 550 [43] (judgment of the court) (Robinson Helicopter); Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Kobelt [2019] HCA 18 [47] (Kiefel CJ & Bell J); Marks [127]; Smart [101].
[36] Smart [100]; Jones v Darkan Hotel [2014] WASCA 133 [31] (judgment of the court) (Jones).
[38] GLJ v The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore [2023] HCA 32 [16] (Kiefel CJ, Gageler & Jagot JJ); Keremestevski v Shaun McLeod as executor of the estate of Mark Adrian McLeod [2024] WASCA 12 [57] (judgment of the court) (Keremestevski).
[39] Minister for Immigration and Border Protection v SZVFW [2018] HCA 30; (2018) 264 CLR 541 [154] (Edelman J; see also [35] - [50] (Gaegler J) (SZVFW); Ammon v Colonial Leisure Group Pty Ltd [2019] WASCA 158 [128] (judgment of the court).
[40] Interpretation Act 1984 (WA) s 56. See generally: Pollard [30].
[41] House v The King (1936) 55 CLR 499, 505 (Dixon, Evatt & McTiernan JJ) (House); SZVFW [38]; Keremestevski [53]; Province Leader of the Oceania Province of the Congregation of the Christian Brothers v Lawrence [2021] WASCA 77 [184] - [185], [204], [241] (judgment of the court); As to the when a decision will be discretionary, see generally: SZVFW [35] - [50].
[42] G v O [2022] WASCA 23 [103] (judgment of the court) (references omitted); Keremestevski [59].
[43] Pollard [44]; RSR [20].
[44] Pollard [44]; RSR [22].
[45] Project Blue Sky Inc v Australian Broadcasting Authority [1998] HCA 28; (1998) 194 CLR 355 [71] (McHugh, Gummow, Kirby & Hayne JJ).
[46] Hansard, Legislative Assembly, 10 November 2010, page 8504 in relation to the Road Traffic Legislation Amendment (Disqualification by Notice) Bill 2020 (WA).
[48] Shilkin v Taylor [2011] WASCA 255 [66] - [68] (references omitted) (Newnes JA, with whom Pullin & Buss JJA agreed) (Shilkin). See also: Rankilor v Circuit Travel Pty Ltd [2013] WASCA 148 [89] (Newnes JA, with whom Buss & Pullin JJA agreed); JC v TH [2024] WADC 58 [21] (Black DCJ); Nugawela v American Express Australia Ltd [2016] WADC 170 [16] (Bowden DCJ) (Nugawela).
[49] Nugawela [20]; Naidoo v Naidoo [2005] WADC 41 [9] (Eaton DCJ).
Allesch
Maunz
Allesch v Maunz [2000] HCA 40; (2000) 203 CLR 172
Ammon v Colonial Leisure Group Pty Ltd [2019] WASCA 158
Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Kobelt [2019] HCA 18
Binningup Nominees Pty Ltd v Mirvac (WA) Pty Ltd [2021] WASCA 130
Chief Executive Officer, Department of Transport v RSR [2018] WADC 140
Coal and Allied Operations Pty Ltd v Australian Industrial Relations Commission [2000] HCA 47; (2000) 203 CLR 194
Director General of Department of Transport v McKenzie [2016] WASCA 147
GLJ v The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore [2023] HCA 32
JC v TH [2024] WADC 58
Jones v Darkan Hotel [2014] WASCA 133
Keremestevski v Shaun McLeod as executor of the estate of Mark Adrian McLeod [2024] WASCA 12
Marks v Coles Supermarkets [2021] WASCA 176
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection v SZVFW [2018] HCA 30; (2018) 264 CLR 541
Naidoo v Naidoo [2005] WADC 41
Napier v BHP Billiton (Worsley Alumina) Pty Ltd [2015] WASCA 230; (2015) 49 WAR 243
Nugawela v American Express Australia Ltd [2016] WADC 170
Pollard v Department of Transport [2021] WADC 110
Project Blue Sky Inc v Australian Broadcasting Authority [1998] HCA 28; (1998) 194 CLR 355
Province Leader of the Oceania Province of the Congregation of the Christian Brothers v Lawrence [2021] WASCA 77
Ramsay v Watson [1961] HCA 65; (1961) 108 CLR 642
Rankilor v Circuit Travel Pty Ltd [2013] WASCA 148
Robinson Helicopter Co Inc v McDermott [2016] HCA 22; (2016) 90 ALJR 679 (2016) 331 ALR 550
Saunders v The Public Trustee [2015] WASCA 203
Shilkin v Taylor [2011] WASCA 255
Smart v Power [2019] WASCA 106
(2000) 203 CLR 172
(2000) 203 CLR 194
(1936) 55 CLR 499
(2018) 264 CLR 541
(2015) 49 WAR 243
(1998) 194 CLR 355
(1961) 108 CLR 642
(2016) 90 ALJR 679
(2016) 331 ALR 550