Wotton v State of Queensland & Anor [2011] HCATrans 70

This matter concerned an application for special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia by the applicant, Mr Wotton, against the State of Queensland and another respondent. The dispute arose from a decision of the Queensland Court of Appeal which had dismissed Mr Wotton's appeal against a judgment of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

The primary legal issue before the High Court was whether the Queensland Court of Appeal had erred in law in its determination of Mr Wotton's claim. Specifically, the High Court was required to consider whether the Court of Appeal had correctly applied the principles of administrative law, particularly in relation to the duty of disclosure owed by a public authority to an individual.

Bell J, in considering the application for special leave, focused on the question of whether there was a reasonably arguable case of error in the Court of Appeal's findings. The judge examined the evidence and submissions presented, with a view to determining if the Court of Appeal had misconstrued or misapplied relevant legal principles concerning the obligations of the State in its dealings with Mr Wotton.

Special leave to appeal was refused.