Crowley v Holmes

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT 1 In these two cases the respondents conceded that the decision in question contains errors as identified by the Full Court of this Court in Oreb v Willcock [2005] FCAFC 196. Mr Moloney, who appeared for the respondents in both matters, outlined the nature of the errors made. Consequently, they contend that the report of the second, third and fourth respondents in V492 of 2004 (the report) and the final determination of the sixth, seventh and eighth respondents in V273 of 2003 (the determination) to be set aside. There is no purpose for either of the proceedings to continue in the light of these concessions. It is therefore appropriate to make the orders sought by the respondents in each matter as contained in the minutes of the proposed orders, which provide that the report or determination be set aside, and that the subject matter of the adjudicative referral number 296 be remitted to the second, third and fourth respondents in matter V492. 2 Mr Moloney then sought orders in each case that the costs of the parties lie where they fall. Such orders are intended to reflect the fact that the errors which have led to the respondents' concession were first relied upon by the applicants in May 2005. Prior to that, other grounds were relied upon. Those other grounds were ruled upon by Sundberg J in an interlocutory application and were found not to raise a serious issue to be tried. It was thus submitted that the costs incurred in these proceedings relate to arguments other than those which have ultimately caused the respondents to concede that the report and determination should be set aside. In those circumstances I agree that, it is appropriate that the costs of the parties to these proceedings should lie where they fall. I certify that the preceding two (2) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice North.