Y v University of Western Australia (No 2)

Y brought an application against the University of Western Australia, seeking relief in relation to the University’s decision to terminate Y’s employment. Y also sought an injunction against the University and two newspapers, preventing them from publishing certain information. Y relied on the principle of confidentiality in relation to employment matters and claimed that publication of the information would result in serious harm. The case was heard in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

The court was required to consider whether an injunction should issue against the University and the two newspapers. The court was also required to consider whether certain information should be made available for inspection by the newspapers. The court needed to weigh the public interest in the confidentiality of employment matters against the public interest in freedom of expression and the public’s right to be informed.

The court held that there was insufficient evidence to establish that publication of the information would result in serious harm. The court also held that there was no basis for the newspapers to be prevented from inspecting the material. The court held that the application should be dismissed, and that the orders made by Siopis J on 24 and 27 March 2006 should be discharged. The court also held that the newspapers should be permitted to inspect certain material, but not all of it.