Queensland academic and former James Cook professor Peter Ridd has announced he will challenge his dismissal regarding criticism of the university in the High Court.
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In a post to Dr Ridd's Facebook on Thursday, the academic said his controversial dismissal from the university will be heard by the High Court on June 23.
Dr Ridd was sacked in 2018 after publicly criticising the university for what he called a lack of quality assurance and misleading, deficient and sensationalist Great Barrier Reef research.
In September of 2019 the Federal Circuit Court ordered JCU to pay more than $1.2 million in damages and penalties, finding the university had unlawfully contravened its enterprise agreement.
However, the university won an appeal against the decision in 2020, with the full bench of the Federal Court upholding the appeal and setting aside the Federal Circuit Court's ruling.
In February of 2021 the High Court granted special leave for Dr Ridd to appeal the decision.
The case sparks questions over freedom of speech laws in Australia, with Dr Ridd saying the notion of academic freedom is at risk.
"If we go down ... essentially academic freedom doesn't effectively exist," he said.
"Academics will always be wondering, actually, can I really say that. They will just zip up.
"If universities are not there to have robust debate, then what the hell are they there for?"
The hearing is expected to take one day but Dr Ridd has urged his supporters to attend, saying he'd like to thank them.
"Even with COVID restrictions, there should be plenty of room in the public gallery if you are interested," the post said.
"I'd certainly be delighted to meet any of you to thank you in person for your support."
Australian Associated Press
