In the media

Damning report highlights forensic and medical failures
Sexual assault victims have been refused medical examinations and endured lengthy delays because of "inefficient" forensic service delivery, according to the Queensland Audit Office (28 June 2019). More...

Published - articles, papers, reports

National Disability Insurance Scheme fraud control program
Australian National Audit Office: 25 June 2019
The objective of this audit was to examine the effectiveness of the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) fraud control program and its compliance with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Framework. More...

High Court judgment still leaves donor-conceived families in limbo about who is a legal parent
Hannah Robert, La Trobe University and Fiona Kelly, La Trobe University: 21 June 2019
When can a donor be a legal parent? The latest High Court ruling doesn't make it clear how much involvement a donor needs to have High Court judgment still leaves donor-conceived families in limbo about who is a legal parent. More....

Practice and regulation

Queensland

Cosmetic procedures: what you need to know
There are hidden costs to cosmetic tourism – including risks which could land you back in hospital for treatment or corrective surgery. It's vital to choose a qualified and reputable clinician or surgeon, in consultation with your GP. In Australia, Specialist Plastic Surgeons are qualified to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery (24 June 2019). More...

Cases

Clearihan and Repatriation Commission (Veterans' entitlements) [2019] AATA 1339
VETERANS' ENTITLEMENTS – Application for special or intermediate rate of pension – veteran served in Vietnam – meaning of "totally and permanently incapacitated" – war-caused skin cancer, prostate cancer and sequelae psychological conditions – "alone test" – consideration of other preventative factors such as age, voluntary redundancy package and non-war-caused spinal condition – improvement in veterans' capacity for work during the assessment period – "loss of salary and wages" requirement not met - not all eligibility criteria met – eligibility for special rate or intermediate rate of pension not met - decision affirmed.

Health Ombudsman v DeCelis [2019] QCAT 140
PROFESSIONS AND TRADES – HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS – PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS – DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS – MISCONDUCT IN PROFESSIONAL RESPECT – Where the respondent was a pharmacist – where disciplinary proceedings were instituted against the respondent in relation to dishonestly obtaining pharmaceutical cocaine for his own use – where the respondent has fully cooperated with the proceedings – where the respondent concedes that the conduct is professional misconduct - where the parties have provided joint submissions – whether the sanction proposed is appropriate Health Ombudsman Act 2019 Qld s 4, s 107; Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 Qld s 130

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.