[2020] QCAT 457
General information, not legal advice.
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
2020-07-07
Original judgment source is linked above.
FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE - CHILD WELFARE UNDER STATE OR TERRITORY JURISDICTION AND LEGISLATION - GENERALLY - the applicant was previously issued with a positive notice and a blue card as an approved foster carer - whether an exceptional case is determinative on the basis of unsubstantiated child protection allegations - whether lengthy and substantial traffic history is a determining factor in blue card matters - concerns regarding the applicant's mental health issues - the applicant twice attempted to commit suicide - the applicant denies any attempt to suicide and claimed the incidents were accidental - the applicant did not initially disclose an earlier attempted suicide when his blue card was renewed -- whether the protective factors negate the risk factors
EVIDENCE - MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS - NON PUBLICATION OF EVIDENCE - ORDERS - NON-PUBLICATION OF IDENTITY - de-identifying of the proceedings undertaken by the tribunal on its own initiative - the publication of identity of the applicant, witnesses and non-parties contrary to public interest - the de-identification of the applicant is necessary to avoid endangering the applicant's mental health
Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld), Chapter 4, Division 3
Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 5, s 6, s 353, s 354, s 360, s 361 Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492Drake v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 24 ALR 577
Grindrod v Chief Executive Officer, Department for Community Development [2008] WASAT 289
Kehl v Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland [2010] QCATA 58
Kent v Wilson [2000] VSC 98
Perry and Brown Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200
Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd's Patent Extension Petitions [1983] VicRp 1; [1983] 1 VR 1
History of self harming - attempted suicides in 2006 and 2013
[RMD] and [KAP] had an argument over [KAP's] 50th birthday because [RMD] didn't buy him a present; he heard it as he was in his room; they were yelling. [RMD] was trying to calm [KAP] down; this point made him sad.
It was my 50th Birthday and I was upset because it wasn't acknowledged and I was upset. I had had a bit of an argument over this with [RMD]. I took tablets for Restless Sleep and probably took more than I should have. I went to bed to sleep. [RMD] panicked because she couldn't get the door unlocked and I was taken by Ambulance to the hospital on security watch. [RMD] came to the hospital the next morning, Mental Health did a short assessment and I was released. As I've said before I am acutely aware of the negative impact this could have on my family and also any foster children involved. I wish I could wind the clock back and this never happened even though it was accidental I am still remorseful for my actions.[18]
[KAP's] apparent suicide attempt is totally out of character for him. Although it was me that rang the Ambulance. I only did this because I wasn't able to check on him and get access to the bedroom. I thought I needed to be sure that he was OK. I was at the hospital when [KAP] had a mental assessment the next morning which literally lasted ten minutes and it was deemed that at no stage was he considered a suicide risk.[26]
I have personally witnessed [KAP] in his role as foster father and carer to most of the children that have come into his care, and I sit back in amazement of the job he does. It must be remembered that most of these children have come from many disabilities, both physical and mental, but this has not deterred [KAP] in any way, shape or form.[29]
[KAP] has been treated by me since 15/07/2010 and at this clinic since 21/04/2015. [KAP] lost his Blue Card late last year due to historical traffic offences that happened when he was doing long hours as a taxi driver, and three incidents with Child Safety. Due to losing his Blue Card, [KAP] and [RMD] no longer foster care [child's name redacted], who they had looked after for 2 years. This has been very distressing for all three parties.
kind-hearted, loving, smart and protective of every kid that comes to be under his care.
In relation to the allegation of attempted suicide in 2013 (6 years ago) [KAP] attended counselling during that period of time and at the time in counselling stated he "did not want to commit suicide" and this incident was very out of character for him. [KAP] has learned skills and is more aware of how to manage his emotions and what techniques to use if upset including attending counselling if that support is needed. [KAP] has not had any incidences since and in my opinion is not a suicide risk.[33]
[1] Pursuant to the provisions of the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld).
[2] Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), ss 353-354. Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 18.
[3] Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009, s 20; Kehl v Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland [2010] QCATA 58, [9].
[6] Drake v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 24 ALR 577, 589.
[8] They moved to the Atherton Tablelands area in 2005.
[10] Notice to produce documents made available to the tribunal by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women. NTP-73.
[11] Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492, [34] per Philippides J endorsing the approach taken by Fullagar J in Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd's Patent Extension Petitions [1983] VicRp 1; [1983] 1 VR 1 in adopting the warning of Luxmore J in Perry and Brown Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200.
[12] Documents produced to the tribunal pursuant to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), s 63.
[14] Cairns Base Hospital Emergency Department Triage notes contained with the NTP documents at p 26.
[15] Cairns Base Hospital Emergency Department Triage notes contained with the NTP documents at p 5.
[16] Cairns Base Hospital Emergency Department Triage notes contained with the NTP documents at p 17.
[17] Cairns Base Hospital Emergency Department Triage notes contained with the NTP documents at p 19.
[20] The Atherton Hospital records show the incident took place on 4 January 2006.
[21] Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 6, s 360.
[22] Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 5.
[23] Kent v Wilson [2000] VSC 98, [22] referencing the Oxford English Dictionary.
[24] Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian v Maher & Anor [2004] QCA 492, [34] per Philippides J endorsing the approach taken by Fullagar J in Re Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd's Patent Extension Petitions [1983] VicRp 1; [1983] 1 VR 1 in adopting the warning of Luxmore J in Perry and Brown Patents (1930) 48 RPC 200.
[25] Kent v Wilson [2000] VSC 98, [22].
[26] Exhibit 4. RMD's statement at p 3.
[29] Exhibit 3. MMJ's statement at p 1.
[33] Exhibit 2. PBB's statement at p 1.
[34] Grindrod v Chief Executive Officer, Department for Community Development [2008] WASAT 289.
[35] Drake v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 24 ALR 577, 589.
[36] Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (Qld), s 361.
KAP
Director General, Department of Justice and Attorney General [2020] QCAT 457
(1979) 24 ALR 577