Vale v Queensland Racing Integrity Commission [2021] QCAT 438

Title: Vale v Queensland Racing Integrity Commission [2021] QCAT 438
Date: December 21, 2021
Court or Tribunal: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Decision Maker: Member Lember
HRA Sections: 21; 25
Rights Considered: Right to freedom of expression; Right to privacy and reputation
Other Legislation: Australian Rules of Racing, r 228(b); Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) ss 245, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272; Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld) ss 3(b), 9(1), 17(1), 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 66; Racing Act 2002 (Qld); Racing Integrity Act 2016 (Qld) ss 240, 241, 243, 245, 246
Summary: This matter involved a horse trainer, Vale, who committed acts of physical violence and threats in breach of the Australian Rules of Racing. Citing the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld), the Tribunal considered Mr Vale’s human rights, including his right to freedom of expression (section 21) and his right to not have his reputation unlawfully attacked (section 25(b)). The Tribunal was satisfied in the circumstances that the limitation on these rights was consistent with the proper purpose of maintaining public confidence in Queensland’s racing industry and upholding the integrity of all persons involved with racing.
Visit the judgement: Vale v Queensland Racing Integrity Commission [2021] QCAT 438