DTC v Children's Guardian
[2019] NSWCATAD 141
At a glance
Source factsCourt
NCAT Administrative and Equal Opportunity
Decision date
2019-06-07
Before
Professor P
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment (26 paragraphs)
Overview
- The applicant was employed as a medical practitioner in Western Australia since 2009, when he was aged 30. In October 2016, he was found guilty of indecent and unlawful assault based on kissing an unknown female aged 30 and biting her on the neck. The offence occurred in June 2016. The applicant had no previous criminal history prior to the assault and since the assault. The applicant is seeking an enabling order requiring the Children's Guardian not to treat him as a 'disqualified person' and to grant him a Working with Children Check Clearance ('clearance'). That is, the previous finding of guilt meant the Children's Guardian was required to treat him as a 'disqualified person' and refuse him a clearance.
- The applicant wants a clearance so that he can work as a medical practitioner and continue to treat patients including children in a way that is unimpeded and without restrictions.
- During the hearing, the applicant gave evidence and was cross-examined. A psychologist gave evidence and was cross-examined. We were provided with evidence regarding the applicant's work history, counselling history and character. We were also provided with a transcript of the hearing of the 2016 disqualifying offence and the sentencing remarks of the presiding Magistrate. After careful consideration of all the evidence, we are satisfied that the applicant has discharged the required burden of proof and does not pose a risk to the safety of children. Accordingly, the application for an enabling order is granted and the decision of the Children's Guardian is set aside. The reasons are set out below.
- Due to the sensitive nature of these proceedings the Tribunal has made an order under s 64(1) of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 requiring that names of the applicant and his family, as well as the name of the victim of the 2016 offence are not to be published without leave of the Tribunal. To give effect to this order, the pseudonym 'DTC' has been used for the applicant's name.