Conclusions on ground one
40 My conclusions on ground one are as follows:
(1) Section 112 has the effect of permitting a second notice under s 107 where there is "another instance" of possible non‑compliance. The existence of "another instance" of such possible non-compliance is the base on which s 112(2) operates when it provides non‑cancellation is no barrier to cancellation or steps towards cancellation of a visa.
41 Section 112(2) is to be read in relation to s 108 and s 109. Non-cancellation of a visa under s 109 may come about either because:
(i) The Minister, having found a non‑compliance by a visa holder pursuant to s 108(b), exercises his discretion not to cancel, or
(ii) the Minister finds there is no non‑compliance.
42 It would appear s 112(2) is not designed to operate in relation to (ii) because it applies "despite an instance of non‑compliance" which could not be satisfied if there was a finding of fact against the existence of the non‑compliance.
43 The words "another instance", on first reading, suggest a "different instance". The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (Clarendon Press Oxford, 1993) p 83 defines "another" to include the meaning "a second, further, additional"; "a second in likeness, character, or attributes"; "a different (one)". But how different? In both time and in circumstance or only in time? Could the words encompass repeated circumstances or even the same circumstances?
44 I am of the view that s 112 is directed, as its language primarily suggests, to a second, further or additional instance of possible non-compliance. This is consistent with the Minister having an apparent duty pursuant to s 108(b) to decide whether there was a non-compliance as stated in a notice pursuant to s 107. It is consistent with s 112(2) not applying to a matter the subject of a notice pursuant to s 107 but not the subject of a decision pursuant to s 108(b).
45 (2) The next question is whether s 112, understood in the way referred to in (1), is to render invalid a notice issued under s 107 on the same facts and circumstances (or some of them) as a prior notice.
46 Section 33(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 supports a construction of s 107 as the source of power to be exercised from time to time as the occasion requires unless the Act indicates a contrary intention. In my view there are indications in subdivision C of Div 3 of the Act of such a contrary intention. They are:
(a) In s 107(1):
(i) the requirement in s 107(1)(c) stating that the Minister will consider cancelling the visa in the circumstances there referred to.
(ii) the requirement in s 107(1)(d) that s 112 is among these, the effect
of which is set out in the notice.
(b) The requirement in par 108(b) that the Minister "…decide whether there was non-compliance by the visa holder in the way described in the notice". The notice itself specifies the relevant alleged non-compliances: s 107(1)(a).
(c) The provisions of ss 110 and 111 and the use of the phrase in each "to avoid doubt", indicating a certain exactitude in the regime being established by ss107-109.
(d) The implication of s 112(1) that a second notice under s 107 is prevented where the second notice is not related to "another instance of possible non-compliance;" that is, a second notice cannot relate to matters already the subject of a notice still under consideration.
47 The cumulative effect of these provisions is to establish a system of such character that it negates any intention that the power in s 107 is able to be exercised from time to time without due completion of the system thus established. Accordingly, I consider the exercise of power in the issue of the Second Notice under s 107 on the same facts and circumstances would be an invalid exercise of power if the Minister has not resolved the prior notice pursuant to s 108(b) cf Scarfe v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1920) 28 CLR 271 at 275; Vella v Grey (1985) 61 ALR 210 at 213.
48 (3) Then there is the factual question whether the Second Notice was in this case in the same terms as the First Notice. The Second Notice relies on narrower grounds than the First Notice. However, the grounds relied on in the Second Notice are all encompassed within the First Notice.
49 (4) There is a further factual issue: was the First Notice ever perfected?
50 The steps involved in relation to the First Notice were as follows:
(a) The First Notice was issued 19 September 1994.
(b) The applicant's response was received on 4 October 1994.
(c) On 20 October 1994 the applicant's solicitors submitted to the Department the response should not be considered at all in any manner. They requested they be informed immediately whether a response was required. No request for a response was received.
51 The effect of this was to leave the respondent in the position where he had issued a notice but had received no response. That possible position was expressly recognised in the notice as one in which the respondent would nevertheless proceed to decide the existence of the non-compliances on information known to the Department. It is also recognised by s 108(a) which operates in relation to "any response" - that is, if there is one. Furthermore, it is recognised by s 107(1)(b) in its use of the word "may" and by the express provisions of s 107(1)(c)(i) and (iii), each of which encompass the Minister proceeding in the absence of a response.
52 I therefore consider there is no question whether the First Notice was "perfected": it was perfected upon issue and the Minister's duty to resolve it thereupon arose to resolve it pursuant to s 108.
53 (5) It follows that I consider the First Notice not having been considered pursuant to s 108, the power in the Minister to exercise the power in s 107 in respect of the same facts and circumstances (or some of them) referred to in the First Notice did not arise. The Second Notice was therefore invalidly issued.
54 I therefore conclude the applicant has established the first ground of review. However, as that view is founded on an issue of statutory construction I proceed to state my views on the other grounds of review in support of both applications.
Ground Two: was not proceeded with.