Melanie Sills v State of New South Wales

Melanie Sills sued the State of New South Wales alleging that the state was negligent in failing to provide her with adequate support and assistance while she worked as a police officer, which allegedly led to her developing psychological injury. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The primary issues before the court were whether the state had a duty of care towards the plaintiff and whether any breach of that duty caused her psychological injury.

The court determined that the state did not owe a duty of care to the plaintiff for psychological injury resulting from her exposure to traumatic events in the course of her employment as a police officer. The court held that the nature of the plaintiff's duties as a police officer involved inherent risks, including the potential for exposure to traumatic events, which was an accepted part of the role. The court found that the state had taken reasonable steps to support the plaintiff, including providing access to psychological support services. The court concluded that the state's actions did not amount to a breach of duty that caused the plaintiff's psychological injury.

Accordingly, the court found in favour of the defendant, the State of New South Wales. The final orders of the court are detailed at [410].