Prior v Queensland University of Technology

In *Prior v Queensland University of Technology*, the applicant, Ms Prior, brought proceedings against the respondent, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), alleging unlawful discrimination on the basis of her disability. The dispute concerned QUT's decision to terminate Ms Prior's employment. The matter was heard in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

The primary legal issue before QCAT was whether QUT had unlawfully discriminated against Ms Prior under the *Anti-Discrimination Act 1991* (Qld) by terminating her employment due to her disability. This required QCAT to consider whether Ms Prior's disability was the reason for the termination and, if so, whether QUT had taken all reasonable steps to accommodate her disability.

QCAT found that Ms Prior's disability was a significant factor in QUT's decision to terminate her employment. The Tribunal was not satisfied that QUT had taken all reasonable steps to accommodate Ms Prior's needs. QUT's approach was found to be reactive rather than proactive, and they failed to adequately explore alternative employment options or make necessary adjustments to her role. The Tribunal applied the principles of reasonable accommodation, requiring employers to make adjustments to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential requirements of their job, unless doing so would impose an unjustifiable hardship.

QCAT ordered that QUT pay Ms Prior compensation for economic loss and for the humiliation, distress, and hurt suffered as a result of the unlawful discrimination.