Johnston v Carroll: The human rights compatibility of vaccine directions
Speakers: Nitra Kidson KC, Paula Morreau and Dr Bruce Chen
Where: Online or in-person at the Crown Law common room, State Law Building, 50 Ann Street, Brisbane
When: 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm, Thursday, 6 June 2024
Register here

In Johnston v Carroll, the Queensland Supreme Court ruled that a vaccine direction was unlawful because proper consideration had not been given to relevant human rights, even though the direction was substantively compatible with human rights. The case explores previously unexplored aspects of the operative provisions in the Human Rights Act, as well as the scope of various human rights, particularly the right not to receive medical treatment without full, free and informed consent. This seminar will unpack the ruling and what it means for future human rights cases.

Nitra Kidson KC appeared as counsel for the Attorney-General in Johnston v Carroll, and Paula Morreau appeared for the Queensland Human Rights Commission. Both have appeared in several leading human rights cases. Dr Bruce Chen is a Senior Lecturer at the Deakin Law School and writes prolifically on the topic of human rights legislation in Australia.