CEO v Waroona Resources [2023] WASCA 73
Regulations exempted ‘asbestos containing material’6 – defined as ‘manufactured material … that, as part of its design, contains asbestos’ – from levy calculation. Waroona said this should be read as including a mix of asbestos and soil where separation was impracticable.
Waroona argued that the levy’s purpose of encouraging recycling did not …
Doman v Leadenhall Australia [2023] SASC 97
This case is about the effect of bankruptcy on judgment debt interest. It is important for two reasons. First is the principle that statutes – in this case, the Bankruptcy Act 1966 – override the common law to the extent of any inconsistency. Second is the discussion by McDonald J (at [50-57]) about …
Azimitabar v Commonwealth [2023] FCA 760
Statutory definitions, as mere aids to construction, are usually unable to confer powers10. In this case, the definition of ‘immigration detention’ seemed to allow the minister to approve ‘another place’ as an immigration detention centre. A delegate purported to use the power to approve the Mantra Hotel as such a centre. This …
Host-Plus v Maritime Super [2023] NSWSC 725
Did an asset transfer from one superfund to another involve an ‘appointment’ for the purpose of unlawful inducement provisions13? The word ‘appointment’ has a well-understood legal meaning in trust situations14. Words with a legal meaning when used in a statute take that meaning ‘unless a contrary meaning clearly appears …
DMQ20 v Minister [2023] FCAFC 84
Generally, the same expression in a statute takes the same meaning, while different expressions indicate different meanings. This is not to be pressed too far, and ‘is of very slight force’ if the words are clear7.
The presumption is also muted where differences in wording can be attributed to the scope or …
DN v Secretary [2023] NSWSC 595
The issue was whether the Children’s Court had jurisdiction to vary a care order made after children were placed with UK carers10. The mother (DN) argued that there was no power to vary the order.
Kunc J rejected this. The jurisdiction of courts is to be construed broadly11, and more …
Tickle v Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 553
Tickle alleged discrimination on the basis of gender identity12. This complaint was later withdrawn and a new one lodged out of time. Despite the ordinary position that the singular includes the plural in statutes13, Giggle argued that, for policy and finality reasons, the statute envisaged only …
Whitebull HTL Pty Ltd v ILGA [2023] NSWSC 588
Specific powers in a statute exclude access to more general ones15. ILGA purported to exercise general powers under one statute to limit gaming machine numbers. Whitebull challenged this, arguing that a second statute set out exclusively, and more precisely, how numbers were to be regulated.
McNaughton J surveyed the …
Commissioner of Police v TM [2023] NSWCA 75
A minor had child abuse material on 3 devices. He was convicted for each4 and his name entered on the Child Protection Register5. He argued that a minor who commits a ‘single offence’ (extended to cover ‘more than one offence of the same kind arising from the same incident’) …
Reid v City of Gosnells [2023] WASC 48
The council and a resident disputed the meaning of ‘or other purposes’ in a planning scheme covering a new council facility9. The facility was to be used for activities including waste management. The resident said this was unlawful under the ejusdem generis rule applied to read down general words within …
