Action spurred in case of kindy

A Toowoomba magistrate has spurred action in a court case, where the Queensland Department of Education alleges a Darling Downs childcare breached a number of safety measures.

Little Champions Child Care in Oakey, also known as Oakhaul Pty Ltd, has been charged with more than 30 offences.

Groom and Lavers managing partner and solicitor Andrew Taylor represented Oakhaul Pty Ltd at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on May 11, and asked for the hearing to start in November.

Mr Taylor said he sought that month based on his team, and the Department of Education’s availability, but Magistrate Kay Philipson refused to list the matter for late 2023.

“That’s a long way off,” she said.

“We’re a small regional courthouse, and I’m reluctant to book something in so far out in advance because we are getting to the end of the year by then when the court will be extremely busy. Surely you can get other counsel?”

Mr Taylor said certain members of his team were needed as they had been briefed on the case, and were also conferencing with Oakhaul Pty Ltd.

Magistrate Philipson said, “I am not setting it down for three days in November.”

“I (will) stand the matter down, and you can go and have discussions,” she continued.

“The court cannot accommodate that.”

After the parties reconvened, Mr Taylor asked Magistrate Philipson for the hearing to go ahead in September.

Magistrate Philipson agreed and thanked both parties for coming to an agreement suitable to the court.

The case was listed to be heard on September 25.

Oakhaul Pty Ltd’s charges include failing to protect children from a hazard likely to cause injury.