In 1997, the Labour Court rejected The Psychiatric Nurses Association’s appeal and found no sex discrimination in St Loman's Hospital’s decision not to assign Jim Brosnan to community relief work. The determination was dated 16 October 1997.
The association said Brosnan was next on a relief panel and that community nursing experience could help his promotion prospects. The hospital cited staffing needs, including a shortage of male staff. The Court said assignments could reflect operational requirements, staff skills, and the safety and welfare of patients and staff. It found no evidence that less community nursing experience would harm Brosnan’s career prospects.