Forest v Queensland Health [2007] FCA 1236

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Forest v Queensland Health [2007] FCA 1236

DISCRIMINATION – DAMAGES – finding of unlawful discrimination within the meaning of s 6 and s 9(1)(f) Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) – whether an order for an apology from the Minister for Health is appropriate in the circumstances – quantum of damages payable – interest Held: No apology ordered. Damages in the amount of $5,000 and interest at 5% per annum ordered in respect of the incident at Cairns Base Hospital. Damages in the amount of $3,000 and interest at 5% per annum ordered in respect of the incident at Smithfield Community Health Centre.

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (Cth) s 46PO(4)

Alexander v Home Office [1988] 2 All ER 118 cited Catholic Education Office v Clarke (2004) 138 FCR 121 cited Clarke v Catholic Education Office (2003) 202 ALR 340 considered Commonwealth of Australia v Evans [2004] FCA 654 considered de Simone v Bevacqua (unreported, Supreme Court of Victoria, McDonald J, 15 September 1994) cited Grovenor v Eldridge [2000] FCA 1574 considered Haar v Maldon Nominees (2000) 184 ALR 83 considered Haines v Bendall (1991) 172 CLR 60 cited Hall v Sheiban Pty Ltd (1989) 20 FCR 217 cited Jones v Scully (2001) 113 FCR 343 followed Jones v Toben [2002] FCA 1150 followed Jones on behalf of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry v The Bible Believers' Church [2007] FCA 55 followed Leslie v Graham [2002] FCA 32 considered McNamara v Golonaise Pty Ltd [2006] QADT 7 cited Oberoi v Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission [2001] FMCA 34 cited Rawcliffe v Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service [2007] FMCA 931 followed Sheehan v Tin Can Bay Country Club [2002] FMCA 95 considered Zheng v Beamish [2004] FMCA 61 cited

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