It has been just over two years since the Australian and Queensland governments announced their near-billion-dollar joint venture to fund PsiQuantum. Back in April 2024, policymakers excitedly pitched the construction of a utility-scale quantum computer at Brisbane Airport as
Paramedics and the Advance Health Directive (Queensland)
By M. Eburn
Today I’m asked to comment on the Advance Health Directive (Queensland) and its application to paramedic practice. My correspondent says:
I am wondering what utility the QLD Advance Health Directive has in paramedic practice, specifically section 4 Directions About Life-Sustaining…
Medical: Prisoners appeal in relation to egg extraction and freezing.
By Bill Madden
Smith v Chief Executive, Queensland Corrective Services; Smith v Chief Executive, Queensland Corrective Services [2026] QCA 99 (Link to AUSTLII).
The applicant Ms Smith, a prisoner aged 33 years, wished to have some of her eggs extracted and then…
Doctor’s photo book leads to reprimand and fine.
By M. Eburn
I have previously reported on issues that arise for emergency services personnel when taking photos (see https://australianemergencylaw.com/?s=photo) and in particular the risk for health professionals such as paramedics – see:
…
Medical / Conduct: The dangers of publishing.
By Bill Madden
Health Ombudsman v Rathie [2026] QCAT 180 (Link to AUSTLII).
Ren Li drew attention to this unusual conduct matter, though it is interesting to consider whether some of the patients might have pursued breach of privacy claims.
Dr R had…
Surrogacy Counseling: The Key Differences Between QLD and NSW
By Ella Leitch
Surrogacy counselling is one of the most important parts of any surrogacy arrangement, and it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. That confusion does not just affect intended parents and surrogates. It can also affect lawyers, counsellors, and…
‘Landholder legal responsibility for bushfire mitigation in Queensland’
By M. Eburn
This is the title of a report published by Natural Hazards Research Australia. It is available to download here – https://www.naturalhazards.com.au/resources/publications/report/landholder-legal-responsibility-bushfire-mitigation-queensland
The report is written by Fia Hamid-Walker, a PhD student at Melbourne University. The abstract says:
This report examines…
When Directors Siphon Company Funds — A Minority Shareholder’s Legal Options
When a business partner invests $100,000 for a 49% stake in a company and then watches the majority shareholders extract funds through loans, payments and wages — what are the legal options?
That was the situation facing Dale May, a…
Abuse: Special leave application refused – Alleged sexual assault by school groundskeeper.
By Bill Madden
BYM v The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane trading as Brisbane Catholic Education [2026] QCA 6 (Link to QLD judgments).
With thanks to Richard Douglas, for reporting that the special leave application by…
Non-Emergency Patient Transport and special offences against health and emergency workers
By M. Eburn
Today’s correspondent asks ‘are NEPT [Non-Emergency Patient Transport] workers included in emergency service personnel protection laws?’
I assume, by ‘emergency service personnel protection laws’ my correspondent means various provisions that create a unique or aggravated offence when it comes to…