Sacking of James Cook University professor was 'unlawful', court rules
The Federal Circuit Court has found that James Cook University acted unlawfully in dismissing a physics professor for his criticisms of colleagues' work.
Peter Ridd was sacked last year after he repeatedly questioned the quality of research about the impact of global warming on the Great Barrier Reef.
Dr Ridd had disparaged colleagues' work as untrustworthy and "misleading" in correspondence with a journalist and in television interviews.
Dr Ridd's subsequent legal action against JCU's treatment of him has received significant attention in the media. Because of his outspoken scepticism of climate change science, the example has been at the centre of debate about the state of free speech in academia.
Judge Salvatore Vasta found the university's actions against Dr Ridd, including his dismissal, were all unlawful.
Noting some coverage had painted the matter as an example of controversial views being silenced, Judge Vasta said the trial was "purely and simply about the proper construction of a clause in an enterprise agreement".
The judgement also said the university had failed to fully understand the importance of intellectual freedom.
In a statement, JCU provost Chris Cocklin questioned the judgement and said the university was "considering its options".
Professor Cockling also reiterated that Dr Ridd was not sacked and "never gagged or silenced" for his scientific views.
The university has maintained the actions were about repeated breaches of a code of conduct that is intended to protect a safe, respectful and professional workplace.
JCU's treatment of Dr Ridd has been criticised by National Tertiary Education Union and conservative think-tank the Institute of Public Affairs.