O'Loughlin v Commissioner for Fair Trading
[2023] NSWCATAP 87
At a glance
Source factsCourt
NCAT Appeal Panel
Decision date
2022-12-09
Before
Armstrong J
Source
Original judgment source is linked above.
Judgment (11 paragraphs)
Summary
- On 29 June 2021 Mr O'Loughlin (the appellant) submitted an application form for an individual endorsed contractor licence in the category of "General building work". On 30 September 2021, a delegate of the Commissioner for Fair Trading (Commissioner) (the respondent) refused the application pursuant to s 33C(1)(b)(i) and s 33D(1)(a) of the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) (HBA) on the basis that the application had been lodged more than eight years after the expiry date of Mr O'Loughlin's previous contractor licence and he was unable to provide evidence that he satisfied the current qualification requirements. On 19 October 2021 the Commissioner's decision was affirmed on internal review. Mr O'Loughlin applied to this Tribunal for review of the Commissioner's decision. On 23 August 2022, the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's decision under review, such that Mr O'Loughlin was not successful in having his expired licence restored or in obtaining a new licence.
- Mr O'Loughlin does not contend that there was any error on a question of law made by the Tribunal, rather that the Tribunal's decision made on 23 August 2022 was unfair and it contained factual errors. He seeks permission (or leave) to appeal from the Tribunal's decision on those bases. Mr O'Loughlin seeks orders from the Appeal Panel which have the effect of restoring the licence he held until 22 May 2013, or alternatively the issue of a supervisor certificate in the category of "General building work".
- We have decided to refuse leave to appeal for the reasons which follow.