Butler v St John of God Health Care Inc

Butler sued St John of God Health Care Inc for depression and stress, claiming they were caused by his employment with the company. The employer had previously obtained a deed of release from Butler in relation to certain claims he had made. The employer sought summary judgment, arguing that the deed of release covered Butler's current claims. The court was required to determine whether the deed of release barred all claims of the type now being made by Butler or only those claims previously specified, and whether the deed of release contravened the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981 (WA). The court found that the deed of release was a defence to all claims of the type now being made by Butler and did not contravene the Act. The court held that the employer was entitled to summary judgment. Butler's appeal against this decision was dismissed.