Preview: Jurisdiction and Contract Law Issues in Workers’ Compensation Claim with Lachlan Robison and Ron Galea

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It took 6 days in court to resolve a workers’ compensation claim for $825 by self-represented litigant Mr Ritson against the state of NSW. The process gave rise to a whole host of interesting constitutional and contractual questions. Barrister Lachlan Robison of State Chambers, Sydney and HWL Ebsworth Special Counsel Ron Galea discuss the issues raised in Ritson v State of New South Wales [2023] NSWCA 226.

Discussion Includes:

  • Facts of the case
  • Argument to object to jurisdiction by Mr Ritson
  • District Court summons
  • Hearing in District Court
  • Payments in the deed
  • After Mr Ritson lost the s 151A argument
  • Costs judgment
  • Leave to appeal
  • Pros and cons of Court versus Commission jurisdictions
  • Federal diversity jurisdiction

Presenter Profiles

Lachlan Robison Ron Galea

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Focus Case

  • Ritson v State of New South Wales [2023] NSWCA 226

Benchmark Link

https://benchmarkinc.com.au/benchmark/composite/benchmark_29-09-2023_insurance_banking_construction_government.pdf

Judgment Link

https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/18ab00fa8c8ee2b3c166197b

Cases

  • Adams v Fletcher International Exports Pty Ltd [2008] NSWCA 238
  • Bertenshaw v Warner [2020] TASADT
  • Chetty v Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council [2024] NSWDC 12
  • Gardiner v Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd [2020] NSWCA 151
  • Kanajenahalli v State of New South Wales (Western New South Wales Local Health District) [2023] NSWCA 202 (30 August 2023)
  • McCardle v Victorian Legal Services Board (Legal Practice) [2021] VCAT 743
  • Momcilovic v The Queen (2011) 245 CLR 1
  • Parish v Transport Accident Commission (Human Rights) [2021] VCAT 604
  • R v Oregan [1957] HCA 18
  • Ritson v State of New South Wales [2021] NSWPIC 409
  • Ritson v State of New South Wales [2022] NSWDC 133
  • Ritson v State of New South Wales (No. 1) [2022] NSWDC 345
  • Ritson v State of New South Wales (No 2) [2022] NSWDC 347

Legislation

  • Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW)
  • Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Cth)
  • Crown Employees (Police Officers Death and Disability) Award 2005
  • District Court Act 1973 (NSW)
  • Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 (NSW)
  • Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW)
  • Workers Compensation Act 1926 (NSW)
  • Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
  • Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW)