In late 2021 and early 2022, the Director-General of the Queensland Department of Health issued directions to QAS officers to receive specified doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. On 27 February 2024, Justice Martin of the Supreme Court of Queensland held that the directions had no effect because the Director-General did not have the power to make the directions.
The QAS class action follows on from these findings and seeks damages from the Director-General and the State of Queensland for misfeasance in public office and breach of contract, as well as other orders including reinstatement (for officers who were terminated) and payment for lost remuneration.
Register your interest to join the QAS class action.
The QAS class action proceedings were initially brought in the Supreme Court of Queensland, on the basis that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to hear the class action. The Defendants have contested this, arguing that the class action should be heard by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).
On 25 July 2025, Justice Treston of the Supreme Court of Queensland determined that the QAS class action should be heard by the QIRC instead of the Supreme Court. On 21 November 2025, Sibley Lawyers appealed this decision to the Queensland Court of Appeal. On 21 November 2025, a hearing took place in the Qld Court of Appeal. The decision is reserved, and Sibley Lawyers is still awaiting the outcome.
