Isles v State of Queensland [2021] QCAT 227 | Case summary

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal|2021-06-23

This matter was heard and determined on the papers pursuant to s 32 of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld).

[1] Costs in the Tribunal do not follow the event. I am not satisfied the interests of justice[1] overcome the usual position that each party pays its own costs.[2]
[2] Unmeritorious claims should not be encouraged due to the unnecessary cost to the parties and the whole community.[3] Much material was unnecessary, adding complexity. But these factors do not outweigh the reticence to order costs in the Tribunal's human rights jurisdiction.[4] In this jurisdiction,[5] parties are often not legally represented, and the adequacy of the contentions are to be considered in a reasonable, realistic and pragmatic way.[6]

[2] Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 100; Ascot v Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia [2010] QCAT 364, [9] (Judge Kingham, Deputy President); Ralacom Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Paradise Island Apartments (No. 2) [2010] QCAT 412, [29] (Wilson J).

[3] Creek v Raine & Horne Real Estate Mossman [2011] QCATA 226, [13], citing with approval Aon Risk Services Australia Ltd v Australian National University (2009) 239 CLR 175, 217.

[4] McKinnon v State of Queensland and Anor (No. 2) [2012] QCAT 566, [7]; Yeo v Brisbane Polo Club Inc. [2013] QCAT 261, [14] - [16]; Alexander v State of Queensland & Anor [2016] QCAT 142, [54].

[5] Unlike Williams v Body Corporate for Circle of Cavill CTS 29918 [2013] QCATA 39.

[6] Virgtel Ltd & Anor v Zabusky & Ors [2008] QSC 213, [15] (Daubney J).

[7] Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), s 6; Harrison v Terra Search Pty Ltd & Ors [2014] QCAT 128, [9].

[8] Harrison v Terra Search Ltd & Ors [2014] QCAT 128, [8].

[9] Unlike Cook v State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) & Anor [2018] QCAT 216.

[11] Unlike Fick v Groves (No 2) [2010] QSC 182.

[12] Applicant submission regarding costs dated 26 May 2021, [18] - [20].

[13] Report of Dr Bruce Low, Orthopaedic Surgeon dated 24 March 2021.

Alexander v State of Queensland & Anor [2016] QCAT 142

Ascot v Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia [2010] QCAT 364

Cook v State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) & Anor [2018] QCAT 216

Creek v Raine & Horne Real Estate Mossman [2011] QCATA 226

Fick v Groves (No 2) [2010] QSC 182

Harrison v Terra Search Pty Ltd & Ors [2014] QCAT 128

McKinnon v State of Queensland and Anor (No. 2) [2012] QCAT 566

Ralacom Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Paradise Island Apartments (No. 2) [2010] QCAT 412

Virgtel Ltd & Anor v Zabusky & Ors [2008] QSC 213

Williams v Body Corporate for Circle of Cavill CTS 29918 [2013] QCATA 39

Yeo v Brisbane Polo Club Inc. [2013] QCAT 261

Isles v State of Queensland

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Judgment (15 paragraphs)

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Cases Cited (12)