Sandor v State of Queensland

In *Sandor v State of Queensland*, the plaintiff, Mr. Sandor, brought proceedings against the State of Queensland seeking damages for personal injury. The dispute arose from an incident where Mr. Sandor sustained injuries while participating in a rehabilitation program conducted by the Queensland Corrective Services. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court of Queensland.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the State of Queensland owed a duty of care to Mr. Sandor in relation to the rehabilitation program, and if so, whether that duty had been breached, causing his injuries. Specifically, the Court had to consider the scope of the duty of care owed by a statutory authority to a participant in a program designed for their rehabilitation, and whether the circumstances of the program's operation met the required standard of care.

Judge Jarrett found that the State of Queensland did owe a duty of care to Mr. Sandor. The Court reasoned that while the program was for the plaintiff's benefit, the State retained control over the activities and environment in which the program was conducted. The evidence established that the State failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable risks of injury to participants, particularly concerning the supervision and safety protocols for the specific activity Mr. Sandor was engaged in when he was injured. The Court applied the principles of negligence, focusing on the foreseeability of harm and the reasonableness of the steps taken (or not taken) by the State to mitigate that harm.

The Court ultimately found in favour of Mr. Sandor, holding the State of Queensland liable for negligence. Damages were awarded to the plaintiff.