Date: 9 December 2021
Court/Tribunal: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Judicial Officer/Tribunal Member: Member Traves
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) Sections: s 15
Rights Considered: Right to recognition and equality before the law
Other Legislation: Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) s 12; Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld) ss 3, 4, 28, 29, 43, Schedule 3
Keywords: Civil Procedure

This matter concerned an application by the respondent for leave to be legally represented pursuant to section 43 of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld), which was granted. The applicant requested reasons for that decision. In its reasons, the Tribunal considered a submission by the applicant that granting leave to the respondent would create inequality before the law, in contravention of section 15 of the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld). The Tribunal did not accept the submission on the basis the Tribunal was obligated and had the necessary powers to ensure a fair hearing, including the power to give assistance to a litigant in person.

Visit the judgment: Angelopoulos v State of Queensland [2021] QCAT 421