Watson v Australian Community Pharmacy Authority

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT 1 In my view, the applicant has made out a prima facie case in the sense described in Australian Broadcasting Corporation v O'Neill (2006) 80 ALJR 1672; [2006] HCA 46, namely that if the evidence remains as it is there is a probability that at trial of the ADJR proceedings the applicant will be entitled to the relief he seeks. I note that the applicant does not need to show that he will succeed, only that there is a sufficient likelihood of success to justify, in the circumstances, the preservation of the status quo pending the hearing of the ADJR application. In my view, the applicant has established on the evidence that there is a sufficient likelihood that his construction of the relevant rule, namely, 201(a) is correct. That rule provides: The applicant had on the date of the application, and has on the date on which the authority makes a recommendation in respect of the application, a right to occupy the proposed premises. 2 That involves a number of other related issues that have been raised in addresses and upon which I do not need to elaborate. 3 As to the balance of convenience, given the undertaking as to damages that the applicant has offered, I consider the balance lies in favour of the relief sought, namely, an injunction to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the ADJR application. The respondents' loss, if any, will be met by that undertaking should the applicant be wrong in his construction of the rule I just referred to. For these reasons, I propose to grant the relief sought. I certify that the preceding three (3) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Reeves.