In the legal case Drage v Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service [2024] QSC 255, the applicant, Steven Geoffrey Drage, sought a judicial review to challenge the validity of decisions made by his former employer, Queensland Health and its directives mandating COVID-19 vaccinations. Initially denied an exemption based on religious grounds, Drage faced employment termination for non-compliance. He pursued various legal avenues, including a Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) application for reinstatement, which he ultimately discontinued. Drage further sought an extension to file for judicial review. The court extended this period and dismissed the respondents' motion to dismiss his application, emphasizing the explanation for Drage's delay and reaffirming his arguable case for review while noting insufficient prejudice to the respondents. Consequently, Drage was permitted to proceed with his application for judicial review.
Full text: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/149997