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Queensland COVID jab mandates for police and health workers ruled illegal, former All Black among plaintiffs

Queensland news
John Wakefield (L), Katarina Carroll (R).

The Queensland Supreme Court has declared mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders for police and health workers, including paramedics in Queensland, Australia, unlawful.

Justice Glenn Martin, in a 115-page judgment said that the directives issued by Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll in December 2021 and a similar mandate by John Wakefield, director general of Queensland Health, violated the Human Rights Act. Consequently, both officials are prohibited from enforcing these vaccination mandates or disciplining staff for non-compliance.

The case was brought to court by seventy-four individuals opposed to the vaccination mandates,spanning three separate applications, including police officers, civilian staff, and Queensland Ambulance Service workers.

Among the plaintiffs was former All Black Con Barrell, who now works on the Gold Coast as a policeman. The prop forward for Northland and the Crusaders played four games for the All Blacks in 1996 and 1997.

The plaintiffs were represented by Alexander Law and Sibley Lawyers.

Following the ruling, the Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland (NPAQ) criticised Queensland Health for infringing healthcare workers’ rights, noting the impact on staff sidelined due to the mandate amidst a workforce crisis.

A spokeswoman for the organisation told legacy media that there were, ‘nurses and midwives sitting at home during a workforce crisis and the healthcare system’s unlawful decisions are directly to blame.

‘NPAQ is currently liaising with our legal team to explore legal avenues for our members in light of today’s Supreme Court outcome.’

The court’s decision underscored the lack of proper consideration given to human rights by the officials in making the vaccination directives.

Justice Martin specifically pointed out that Commissioner Carroll failed to demonstrate a thoughtful consideration of human rights impacts, rendering the decisions unlawful. He also dismissed Dr. Wakefield’s argument that his directive was a lawful and reasonable term of employment, noting Wakefield’s failure to prove such a term existed or to attend court and give evidence.

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7 COMMENTS

  1. Now let’s see some criminal charges for the perpetrators.

    Crimes against humanity, murder, grievous bodily harm, wounding with intent and medical battery should just about cover it.

  2. This judgement clearly sets a powerful legal precedent.

    All employers who imposed jab mandates clearly acted unlawfully, and obviously therefore should be held criminally and financially liable for all injury, loss and harm caused.

  3. Wow! A sensible decision finally.

    Slowly but surely the cretinous groupthink pro-jab zealots are becoming undone.

    Phew, what a relief.

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