High Court Bulletin
Produced by the Legal Research Officer, 
High Court of Australia Library
[2017] HCAB 4 (17 May 2017)

A record of recent High Court of Australia cases: decided, reserved for judgment, awaiting hearing in the Court’s original jurisdiction, granted special leave to appeal, refused special leave to appeal and not proceeding or vacated

1: Summary of New Entries
2: Cases Handed Down
3: Cases Reserved
4: Original Jurisdiction
5: Special Leave Granted
6: Cases Not Proceeding or Vacated
7: Special Leave Refused

1: Summary of New Entries

2: Cases Handed Down
Case	Title	
Aubrey (MA) v The Queen	Criminal Law 	
Smith v The Queen; The Queen v Afford	Criminal Law	
Pickering v The Queen	Criminal Law	
Plaintiff M96A/2016 & Anor v Commonwealth of Australia & Anor	Migration	
Talacko v Bennett & Ors	Procedure 	

3: Cases Reserved
Case	Title	
Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Ltd v Compton	Bankruptcy	
Transport Accident Commission v Katanas	Compensation	
Brown & Anor v The State of Tasmania	Constitutional Law	
GAX v The Queen	Criminal Law	
Plaintiff S195/2016 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Ors	Migration	
State of New South Wales v DC & Anor	Negligence 	

4: Original Jurisdiction

5: Special Leave Granted
Case	Title	
Woollahra Municipal Council v Minister for Local Government & Ors	Administrative Law 	
Kalbasi v The State of Western Australia	Criminal Law 	
Regional Express Holdings Limited v Australian Federation of Air Pilots	Industrial Law	
Australian Building and Construction Commissioner v Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union & Anor	Industrial Law 	
Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd v Shade Systems Pty Ltd & Anor	Judicial Review 	
Maxcon Constructions Pty Ltd v Vadasz & Ors	Judicial Review	
Briggs v State of New South Wales	Negligence 	

6: Cases Not Proceeding or Vacated

2: Cases Handed Down

The following cases were handed down by the High Court of Australia during the May 2017 sittings.

Criminal Law

Aubrey (MA) v The Queen
S274/2016: [2017] HCA 18 

Judgment delivered: 10 May 2017   

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Keane, Nettle and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:
	
Criminal law – Infliction of grievous bodily harm – Meaning of "inflicts" – Where appellant caused complainant to contract human immunodeficiency virus – Whether infliction requires force and immediate physical injury – Whether communication of infection or disease amounts to infliction – Consideration of R v Clarence (1888) 22 QBD 23 and R v Dica [2004] QB 1257.

Criminal law – Fault element – Recklessness – Foresight of risk – Where appellant diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus – Where appellant knew of possibility of transmitting virus through unprotected sexual intercourse – Whether foresight of possibility of risk sufficient to establish recklessness.

Words and phrases – "always speaking", "contemporary ideas and understanding", "grievous bodily harm", "inflicts", "maliciously", "recklessly".

Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – ss 5, 35(1)(b), 36. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CCA): [2015] NSWCCA 323

Return to Top

Smith v The Queen; The Queen v Afford
S249/2016, M144/2016: [2017] HCA 19 

Judgment delivered: 10 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Fault element – Intent – Inferential reasoning – Importation of commercial quantity of border controlled drug – Where accused persons brought substance into Australia – Where substance concealed in items – Where accused persons denied intent to import substance – Where accused persons perceived real or significant chance of presence of substance when entering Australia – Whether permissible to infer intent for purposes of Criminal Code (Cth) from awareness of real or significant chance of presence of substance – Whether process of inferential reasoning identified in Bahri Kural v The Queen (1987) 162 CLR 502; [1987] HCA 16 applicable – Whether jury directions conflated intent with recklessness.

Words and phrases – "inferential reasoning", "intent to import", "intention", "jury directions", "real or significant chance", "reckless", "unsafe verdict".

Criminal Code (Cth) – ss 5. 2, 5. 4, 5. 6, 307. 1. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CCA): [2016] NSWCCA 93; (2016) 309 FLR 258; Appealed from VSC (CA): [2016] VSCA 56; (2016) 308 FLR 1

Return to Top

Pickering v The Queen
B68/2016: [2017] HCA 17 

Judgment delivered: 3 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Gageler, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Justification and excuse – Resisting actual and unlawful violence threatened to person – Where appellant stabbed deceased – Where appellant acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter – Where s 31(1) of Criminal Code (Q) not left to jury – Whether appellant able to rely on s 31(1) to deny criminal responsibility in relation to offence of manslaughter – Whether s 31(2) renders s 31(1) unavailable wherever evidence discloses that act of accused constitutes offence described in s 31(2) regardless of charge.

Words and phrases – "act", "criminally responsible", "liable to punishment", "offence".

Criminal Code (Q) – s 31. 

Appealed from QSC (CA): [2016] QCA 124

Return to Top

Migration 

Plaintiff M96A/2016 & Anor v Commonwealth of Australia & Anor
M96/2016: [2017] HCA 16  

Date heard: 3 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Migration – Unlawful non-citizens – Power to detain – Where plaintiffs unauthorised maritime arrivals – Where plaintiffs brought to Australia from regional processing country for temporary purpose of medical treatment – Where plaintiffs detained under ss 189 and 196 of Migration Act 1958 (Cth) until removal from Australia – Whether ss 189 and 196 validly authorise detention while in Australia for temporary purpose – Whether plaintiffs detained for lawful purpose – Whether duration of detention capable of objective determination.

Words and phrases – "detention of non-citizen", "duration of detention", "opinion, satisfaction or belief of officer", "purpose of detention", "temporary purpose", "transitory person", "unauthorised maritime arrival", "unlawful non-citizen".

Constitution – s 51(xix).

Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – ss 189, 196, 198, 198AD, 198AH, 198B.

Return to Top

Procedure 

Talacko v Bennett & Ors
M154/2016:  [2017] HCA 15 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Judgment delivered: 3 May 2017 

Catchwords:

Procedure – Enforcement of Australian judgment debt in foreign jurisdiction – Where respondents obtained certificate under s 15(1) of Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) certifying finality of Australian judgment – Where application for such certificate may not be made until expiration of any stay of enforcement of judgment in question – Where judgment debtor bankrupt – Whether certificate valid – Whether s 58(3) of Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) operated to impose a stay of enforcement for purposes of Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth).

Words and phrases – "enforcement by execution", "stay of enforcement of the judgment".

Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) – ss 58(3), 60(1)(b), 60(2).

Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) – ss 3(1), 15. 

Appealed from VSC (CA): [2016] VSCA 179; (2016) 312 FLR 159 

Return to Top

3: Cases Reserved

The following cases have been reserved or part heard by the High Court of Australia.

Bankruptcy 

Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Ltd v Compton 
S53/2017: [2017] HCATrans 95

Date heard: 4 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Gageler, Keane, Nettle and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:	

Bankruptcy – Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) s 52 – Application to “go behind” judgment debt – Principle of finality – Whether Full Federal Court applied wrong test for “going behind” judgment – Whether court may go behind judgment in any circumstance where debtor adduces evidence which shows “substantial reason to believe” debt not owed. 

Orders made on 4 May 2017 dismissing the appeal with costs. 
Written reasons of the Court to be published at a future date. 

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 106 
	
Return to Top

Compensation

Transport Accident Commission v Katanas
M160/2016: [2017] HCATrans 102

Date heard: 11 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ 

Catchwords: 

Compensation – Transport accident – Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic) – Meaning of “serious injury” – Test for establishing whether an injury is a “serious injury” within meaning of s 93 of the Transport Accident Act 1986 (Vic) – Application of Humphries v Poljak [1992] 2 VR 129 – Whether Court of Appeal applied correct test.

Appealed from VSC (CA): [2016] VSCA 140; (2016) 76 MVR 161 

Return to Top 

Competition Law 

Air New Zealand Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission; PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd v Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 
 
S245/2016, S248/2016: [2017] HCATrans 44, [2017] HCATrans 46 

Date heard: 2 and 3 March 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Keane, Nettle and Gordon JJ

Catchwords:

Competition – Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – Whether “market” defined by questions of substitutability or other considerations – 
Whether markets for air cargo services from airports in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia to Australia were markets “in Australia” within meaning of s 4E – Whether ss 12 and 13 Air Navigation Act 1920 (Cth) inconsistent with ss 45 and 45A Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) such that latter did not apply to contravening conduct – Whether conduct compelled by law/administrative practice of foreign state – Whether person acting in accordance with such law/practice makes “contract or arrangement” or arrives at “understanding” for purpose of s 45(2). 

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 42; (2016) 330 ALR 230

Return to Top 

Constitutional Law 

Brown & Anor v The State of Tasmania
H3/2016: [2017] HCATrans 93; [2017] HCATrans 94 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Date heard: 2 and 3 May 2017 

Catchwords:

Constitutional Law – Implied freedom of political communication – Workplaces (Protection from Protesters) Act 2014 (Tas) – Where Forestry Tasmania was authorised to undertake forestry operations in the Lapoinya Forest – Where plaintiffs protested against forestry operations in vicinity of the operations – Where plaintiffs were charged on separate occasions for breaching s 8 of the Act – Where charges were dismissed against both plaintiffs – Whether Act impermissibly burdens the implied freedom of political communication.
	
Return to Top

Knight v State of Victoria & Anor
M251/2015: [2017] HCATrans 61 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Date heard: 28 March 2017 

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – Chapter III of the Constitution – Where plaintiff pleaded guilty to seven counts of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder in Supreme Court of Victoria – Where plaintiff was sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum term of 27 years – Where minimum term has expired – Where prior to expiry Victorian Parliament passed Corrections Amendment (Parole) Act 2014 (Vic) which inserted s 74AA into Corrections Act 1986 (Vic) – Where s 74AA requires Adult Parole Board to not release plaintiff unless in imminent danger of dying or seriously incapacitated and as result no longer has physical ability to harm any person – Where judicial officers, including Judges of Supreme Court of Victoria, may be appointed as members of Adult Parole Board – Whether s 74AA impermissibly interferes with exercise of judicial power by Supreme Court of Victoria – Whether s 74AA authorises State judicial officers to participate in decision-making process that undermines judicial independence and renders courts on which they sit unsuitable to be repositories of federal judicial power. 

Return to Top

Rizeq v The State of Western Australia 
P55/2016: [2017] HCATrans 11; [2017] HCATrans12 

Date heard: 1 and 2 February 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – s 80 of the Constitution – Where appellant was a resident of New South Wales – Where appellant was found guilty of possession of drugs with of intent to sell or supply  under Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) s 6(1)(a) – Where appellant was convicted by majority pursuant to Criminal Procedure Act 2004 (WA) s 114(2)  – Whether Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) s 6(1)(a) applied directly or was “picked up” by Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) s 79(1) – Whether 
Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) s 6(1)(a) was an offence against a “law of the Commonwealth” where the District Court was exercising federal diversity jurisdiction – Whether Criminal Procedure Act 2004 (WA) s 114(2) did not apply to the appellant’s trial because s 80 of the Constitution required the appellant to be convicted by unanimous verdict.   

Appealed from WASC (CA): [2015] WASCA 165 

Return to Top

Criminal Law

GAX v The Queen
B72/2016: [2017] HCATrans 96 

Date heard: 5 May 2017

Coram: Bell, Gageler, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Unreasonable verdict – Where appellant was convicted of one count of aggravated indecent dealing with child under age of 16 years who was his lineal descendant – Where complainant gave evidence that the appellant, her father, lay in bed with her and that his fingers were down near where her underwear was supposed to be – Where complainant’s mother and sister gave evidence of finding appellant in bed with complainant – Where there were inconsistencies between accounts of complainant, mother and sister – Where majority of the Court of Appeal dismissed appeal – Whether majority failed to make independent assessment of the sufficiency and quality of the evidence in determining reasonableness of verdict.

Appealed from QSC (CA): [2016] QCA 189

Return to Top

The Queen v Dickman
M162/2016: [2017] HCATrans 71

Date heard: 6 April 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Keane, Nettle and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Evidence – Identification evidence – Evidence Act 2008 (Vic) s 137 – Where complainant made identification based on photoboard containing no photograph of accused – Where complainant later identified accused based on different photoboard – Whether majority of Court of Appeal erred in holding trial judge erred in failing to exclude identification evidence – Whether majority of Court of Appeal erred in considering issues of reliability in assessing whether probative value of identification evidence outweighed by risk of unfair prejudice for purposes of s 137. 

Appealed from VSC (CA): [2015] VSCA 311
	
Return to Top

IL v The Queen
S270/2016: [2017] HCATrans 65

Date heard: 4 April 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Constructive murder – Joint criminal enterprise – Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) s 18 – Where deceased’s death caused by ignition of ring burner in inadequately ventilated room – Where evidence insufficient to establish that appellant ignited burner –Whether ignition of ring burner within scope of joint criminal enterprise to manufacture methylamphetamine – Whether subjective foresight of risk of death required for charge of constructive murder – Whether element of “malice” in s 18(2)(a) satisfied by proof of intention to commit foundational offence – Whether “malice” established by recklessness.  

Appealed from NSWSC (CCA): [2016] NSWCCA 51

Return to Top

Hughes v The Queen
S226/2016: [2017] HCATrans 16

Date heard: 8 February 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Tendency evidence – Where appellant found guilty on 10 of 11 charges of having sexual intercourse with, and committing acts of indecency on, girls under the age of sixteen – Where tendency evidence admitted to prove that the appellant had a tendency to have a sexual interest in, and engage in sexual conduct with, female children under sixteen – Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) s 97 – Whether tendency evidence had “significant probative value” – Whether an “underlying unity” or “pattern of conduct” required to establish significant probative value – Whether evidence of tendency was sufficiently specific to reach threshold of significant probative value – Whether Court of Criminal Appeal erred in rejecting approach taken to tendency evidence in Velkoski v R [2014] VSCA 121. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CCA): [2015] NSWCCA 330

Return to Top

Migration 

Plaintiff S195/2016 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Ors
S195/2016: [2017] HCATrans 99 

Date heard: 9 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – Migration – Where plaintiff is citizen of Iran – Where plaintiff was “unauthorised maritime arrival” – Where plaintiff unwilling to return to Iran – Where plaintiff sent to Papua New Guinea under regional processing arrangements – Where Papua New Guinea Supreme Court handed down Belden Norman Namah, MP Leader of the Opposition v Hon Rimbank Pato, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Immigrations SCA NO 84 of 2013 (“Namah Decision”) – Whether designation of Papua New Guinea as regional processing country beyond power under s 198AB(1) of Migration Act 1958 (Cth) by reason of Namah Decision – Whether taking plaintiff to Papua New Guinea beyond power under s 198AD by reason of Namah Decision – Whether entry into re-settlement arrangements beyond power conferred by Constitution s 61 – Whether authority of Commonwealth to undertake conduct in respect of regional processing arrangements in Papua New Guinea conferred by s 198AHA dependent on those arrangements being lawful under law of Papua New Guinea. 
	
Return to Top

SZTAL v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor; SZTGM v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor 
S272/2016; S273/2016: [2017] HCATrans 68

Date heard: 5 April 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Gageler, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords: 

Migration – Statutory interpretation – Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – s 36(2)(aa), complementary protection criteria – Where appellants are nationals of Sri Lanka – Where appellants left Sri Lanka illegally – Where Tribunal accepted that it was likely that appellants would be jailed upon return to Sri Lanka – Whether Full Court of the Federal Court erred in holding that requirement of intentional infliction of “cruel and inhuman treatment or punishment” or “degrading treatment or punishment” requires proof of subjective intention.

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 69; (2016) 243 FCR 556 

Return to Top

Graham v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection; Te Puia v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
M97/2016; P58/2016: [2017] HCATrans 63  

Date heard: 30 March 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane, Nettle, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – Migration – Where plaintiffs are citizens of New Zealand – Where plaintiffs were granted a class TY subclass 444 Special Category (Temporary) visa when they each respectively last entered Australia – Where defendant cancelled plaintiffs’ visas under s 501(3) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – Where defendant received information in accordance with s 503A(1) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) – Where s 503A(2) prevents defendant from disclosing confidential information to the Court – Whether ss 501(3) and 503A(2) invalid as requiring a Federal court to exercise judicial power in a manner inconsistent with the essential character of a court – Whether invalid as limiting ability of affected person to seek relief under s 75(v) of Constitution. 

Return to Top

Mining

Forrest & Forrest Pty Ltd v Wilson & Ors 
P59/2016: [2017] HCATrans 64

Date heard: 31 March 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane and Nettle JJ 

Catchwords:

Mining – Statutory Construction – Mining Act 1978 (WA) – Where applications for mining leases lodged without mining operations statements or mineralisation reports specified in s 74(1)(ca)(ii) – Where mineralisation reports subsequently lodged – Where Warden recommended Minister grant applications subject to conditions – Whether lodgement of mineralisation report at time of application for mining lease was essential condition that must be satisfied in order to enliven jurisdiction of Director to prepare report under s 74A(1) – Whether lodgement of mineralisation report at time of application for mining lease was essential condition that must be satisfied in order to enliven Warden’s jurisdiction to hear application under s 75(4) and make recommendation under s 75(5). 

Appealed from WASC (CA): [2016] WASCA 116; (2016) 10 ARLR 81

Return to Top

Negligence  

State of New South Wales v DC & Anor
S35/2017: [2017] HCATrans 100

Date heard: 10 May 2017 

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Bell, Gageler, Keane and Gordon JJ 

Catchwords: 

Negligence – Duty of care – Where stepfather sexually abused respondents – Where Department removed respondents after receiving complaint from one of the respondents – Where stepfather continued to have contact with respondents – Children Welfare Act 1939 (NSW) s 148B – Whether appellant owed duty of care to respondents that extended to reporting allegations against stepfather to police. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CA): [2016] NSWCA 198; (2016) Aust Tort Reports 32-295  

Return to Top

Taxation

Commissioner of Taxation v Jayasinghe 
S275/2016: [2017] HCATrans 62

Date heard: 29 March 2017

Coram: Kiefel CJ, Gageler, Keane, Gordon and Edelman JJ

Catchwords:

Taxation – International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1963 (Cth) s 6(1)(d)(i) – Where respondent was civil engineer engaged by United Nations Office of Project Services under “Individual Contractor Agreement” – Whether respondent was a person who “holds an office in an international organisation” under the Act and Regulations made under the Act – Meaning of “holds an office in an international organisation” – Whether common law concept of “office” applies – Whether determined by establishment and designation of office by international organisation.

Appealed from FCA(FC): [2016] FCAFC 79; (2016) ATC 20-571

Return to Top

4: Original Jurisdiction

The following cases are ready for hearing in the original jurisdiction of the High Court of Australia.

Constitutional Law 

ResourceCo Material Solutions Pty Ltd & Anor v State of Victoria & Anor
M32/2016: Demurrer 

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – Section 92 – Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009 (Vic) – Where reg 26(3) prohibits interstate transport of prescribed industrial waste for destruction/deposit unless interstate facility has better environmental performance standards – Contract to dispose of contaminated soil in Victoria by transporting to and disposing of in South Australia – Where second plaintiff obtained approval from South Australian Environment Protection Authority (“EPA”) for treatment of soil in South Australia – Where first plaintiff sought approval from EPA Victoria for transport of waste from Victoria to South Australia – Where approval refused because EPA Victoria not satisfied waste would be deposited at facility in South Australia with better environmental performance standards than in Victoria – Whether reg 26 or 26(3) Environment Protection (Industrial Waste Resource) Regulations 2009 (Vic) contrary to s 92 and therefore invalid – Whether protectionist effect of reg 26(3) can be inferred from discriminatory burden imposed on interstate trade – Whether objects of reg 26(3) must be actual motivating objects of the regulation.

Hearing vacated (1 February 2017). 

Return to Top

Migration

Falzon v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection 
S31/2017: Application to Show Cause 

Catchwords:

Constitutional law – Migration – Where plaintiff’s visa cancelled pursuant to Migration Act 1958 (Cth) s 501(3A) – Where Minister decided not to revoke cancellation under s 501CA – Whether s 501(3A) is invalid because it purports to confer judicial power of Commonwealth on Minister.  
	
Return to Top

5: Special Leave Granted

The following cases have been granted special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia.

Administrative Law

Woollahra Municipal Council v Minister for Local Government & Ors
S7/2017: [2017] HCATrans 108

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Administrative law – Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) – Where Minister made proposal under s 218E(1) for forced amalgamation of Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick local government areas – Where Government published document disclosing part of analysis by KPMG – Where Delegate heard evidence in secret from KPMG – Whether obligation to hold inquiry under s 263(2A) did not permit evidence to be heard in secret and not disclosed to public – Whether Court of Appeal erred in failing to find that no prescribed inquiry at which there was examination of required statutory factors had been held – Whether Court of Appeal erred in failing to find that requirement to inquire into financial advantages and disadvantages of proposed amalgamation not discharged without having regard to specific financial advantages and disadvantages to residents and ratepayers of each local government area.   

Appealed from NSWSC (CA): [2016] NSWCA 380; (2016) 219 LGERA 180  

Return to Top

Criminal Law

Kalbasi v The State of Western Australia 
P62/2016: [2017] HCATrans 113

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted on limited grounds.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Appeal against conviction – Criminal Appeals Act 2004 (WA) s 30(4) – Where appellant convicted of attempt to possess prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply contrary to Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) ss 6(1)(a), 33(1) – Where Court of Appeal concluded jury directions on intention erroneous as presumption of intent to sell or supply under s 11 of Act did not apply, but held no substantial miscarriage of justice – Whether Court of Appeal erred in finding no substantial miscarriage of justice and applying proviso – Whether Weiss v The Queen (2005) 224 CLR 300 should be revisited and/or qualified and/or overruled. 

Appealed from WASC (CA): [2016] WASCA 144  

Return to Top

Craig v The Queen 
B24/2017: [2017] HCATrans 73

Date heard: 7 April 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Murder – Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) s 668E – Miscarriage of justice – Where appellant advised by trial counsel that if he gave evidence at trial, he would likely be cross-examined on prior convictions, including manslaughter conviction – Where appellant did not give evidence – Where proposed evidence would have been relevant to defence of provocation and would have raised self-defence – Where Court of Appeal held it was not likely that appellant would have been cross-examined on criminal history – Whether Court of Appeal erred in finding erroneous advice did not result in miscarriage of justice – Whether “alternative rational basis” for not giving evidence test appropriate where counsel gave erroneous advice – Whether denial of opportunity to make informed decision as to whether to give evidence amounts to “such a serious breach of the presuppositions of the trial” that the proviso cannot apply. 

Appealed from QSC (CA): [2016] QCA 166  

Return to Top

Hamra v The Queen 
A14/2017: [2017] HCATrans 77

Date heard: 7 April 2017 – Special leave granted on limited grounds.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Persistent sexual exploitation of child under Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 50 – Where trial judge held no case to answer because allegations of generalised nature such that it was not possible to identify two or more proved sexual offences within meaning of s 50 – Where Court of Criminal Appeal quashed acquittal and remitted matter for retrial – Whether s 50 requires proof of commission of two or more prescribed sexual offences on particular occasions – Whether Court of Criminal Appeal failed to address appellant’s submission that respondent’s appeal should not be granted having regard to considerations relating to double jeopardy. 

Appealed from SASC (CA): [2016] SASCFC 130; (2016) 126 SASR 374   

Return to Top

Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police v Hart & Ors; Commonwealth of Australia v Yak 3 Investments Pty Ltd as Trustee for Yak 3 Discretionary Trust & Ors; Commonwealth of Australia & Anor v Flying Fighters Pty Ltd & Ors   

B21/2017; B22/2017; B23/2017: [2017] HCATrans 69

Date determined: 6 April 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Proceeds of crime – Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) – Where Commonwealth obtained restraining order under s 17 of the Act over property under first respondent’s effective control – Where first respondent subsequently found guilty of nine offences of defrauding the Commonwealth – Where property forfeited to Commonwealth under s 92 – Where Commonwealth granted pecuniary penalty order (PPO) against first respondent under s 116 – Where Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions sought declaration under s 141 that forfeited property available to satisfy PPO – Where primary judge dismissed application under s 141 on discretionary grounds – Where majority of Court of Appeal dismissed appeal on basis that s 141 did not apply to property the subject of a restraining order under s 17 – Whether majority of Court of Appeal erred in holding that s 141 does not apply to property subject to restraining orders under s 17 – Whether majority of Court of Appeal erred in construing date of effective control under s 141(1)(c) as date on which application is determined notwithstanding that property was subject of restraining orders under s 17 – Whether primary judge erred in exercising discretion to refuse to make order under s 141. 

Appealed from QSC (CA): [2016] QCA 215; (2016) 336 ALR 492 and [2016] QCA 284 

Return to Top

Koani v The Queen  
B20/2017: [2017] HCATrans 70

Date determined: 6 April 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Murder – Criminal negligence – Criminal Code 1899 (Qld) ss 289 and 23(1)(a) – Where appellant convicted of murder of de facto partner – Where there was evidence that would allow jury to conclude it was reasonably possible that appellant intended only to frighten deceased – Where trial judge directed jury that, if not satisfied discharge of gun resulted from willed act of appellant, jury could still convict for murder if discharge was consequence of omission to perform duty under s 289 to use reasonable care in his control of shotgun and at time of discharge appellant intended to kill victim or cause grievous bodily harm – Whether criminal negligence in breach of s 289 can found a conviction for murder. 

Appealed from QSC (CA): [2016] QCA 289  

Return to Top

The Queen v Dookheea
M159/2016: [2016] HCATrans 284

Date heard: 18 November 2016 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Criminal law – Jury directions – Where respondent was convicted of murder – Where trial judge explained to jury “beyond reasonable doubt” – Where Court of Appeal allowed appeal and ordered re-trial – Whether Court of Appeal erred in finding trial judge impermissibly explained meaning of “beyond reasonable doubt” – Whether direction which includes instruction that prosecution does not have to prove case beyond doubt but beyond reasonable doubt constitutes misdirection – Whether substantial miscarriage of justice.

Appealed from VSC (CA): [2016] VSCA 67

Return to Top

Director of Public Prosecutions v Dalgliesh (A Pseudonym)  
M1/2017: [2016] HCATrans 312

Date heard: 16 December 2016 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Sentencing – Where respondent convicted on several counts of incest and sexual penetration of a child under 16 – Where offending against daughters of de facto partner – Where 13-year-old victim fell pregnant – Where pregnancy subsequently terminated - Where total effective sentence 5y 6m – Where sentence 3y 6m on charge involving pregnancy – Whether sentence manifestly inadequate on current sentencing principles – Whether s 5(2)(b) Sentencing Act 1991 (Vic) alters common law principle of “instinctive synthesis” in sentencing. 

Appealed from VSC (CA): [2016] VSCA 148

Return to Top

Chiro v The Queen 
A9/2017: [2017] HCATrans 20

Date heard: 10 February 2017 – Special leave granted on limited grounds. 

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Sentencing – Where appellant convicted by jury of “persistent sexual exploitation of a child” pursuant to Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 50 – Where complainant gave evidence of sexual exploitation that ranged in seriousness – Where trial judge directed jury they may convict if unanimously satisfied that appellant kissed complainant in circumstances amounting to indecent assault on two occasions – Whether Court of Criminal Appeal erred in failing to hold trial judge erred in failing to ask jury which sexual offences subject of unanimous guilty verdict for purposes of sentencing – Whether in absence of such answer it was open to sentencing jury to sentence on basis that appellant guilty of all alleged sexual offending.    

Appealed from SASC (CCA): [2015] SASCFC 142; (2015) 123 SASR 583

Return to Top

Van Beelen v The Queen 
A8/2017: [2017] HCATrans 19 

Date heard: 10 February 2017 – Special leave granted on limited grounds. 

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA) s 353A – Second or subsequent appeal where Court satisfied fresh and compelling evidence that should in interests of justice be considered – Where appellant seeks to appeal against conviction of murder on basis that new evidence shows expert evidence as to time of victim’s death flawed – Whether “fresh” and “compelling” evidence – Whether majority erred in holding further attack on expert evidence precluded because expert evidence contested at trial – Whether evidence could have been adduced at original trial –Whether majority erred in finding principle of finality relevant to s 353A appeal – Whether evidence is “substantial” – Whether in the “interests of justice” to allow appeal. 

Appealed from SASC (CCA): [2016] SASCFC 71; (2016) 125 SASR 253  

Return to Top

The Queen v Holliday 
C3/2017: [2017] HCATrans 21

Date heard: 10 February 2017 – Special leave granted. 

Catchwords:

Criminal law – Where respondent alleged to have incited the procurement of another person to commit the offence of kidnapping – Whether offence of incitement under Criminal Code 2002 (ACT) s 47 can be committed by inciting another person to procure a third person to commit an offence – Whether offence of incitement complete at the point of the urging – Whether Criminal Code 2002 (ACT) ss 45(2)(a) and 45(3) constitute a “limitation or qualifying provision” for purposes of s 47(5) such  that offence of incitement not complete until offence of kidnapping committed.   

Appealed from ACTSC (CA): [2016] ACTCA 42; (2016) 312 FLR 77 

Return to Top

Family Law 

Thorne v Kennedy 
B14/2017: [2017] HCATrans 54

Date heard: 10 March 2017 – Special leave granted on limited grounds.

Catchwords:

Family law – Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) ss 90K, 90KA – Where parties signed financial agreements prior to and shortly after wedding – Where parties subsequently separated – Where trial judge found wife signed agreements under duress – Where Full Court declared second financial agreement binding – Whether financial agreements should be set aside on grounds of duress, undue influence or unconscionable conduct – Whether Full Court erred in finding trial judge failed to provide adequate reasons.

Appealed from FamFC (FC): [2016] FamCAFC 189
	
Return to Top

Industrial Law 

Regional Express Holdings Limited v Australian Federation of Air Pilots
M155/2016: [2017] HCATrans 105

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Industrial law – Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Cth) – Standing – Where appellant sent letter to unidentified persons who applied for cadet employment program – Where respondent, a registered organisation, commenced proceedings in Federal Circuit Court seeking pecuniary penalty orders against appellant on basis letter contravened various provisions of Fair Work Act – Where appellant sought orders dismissing or striking out application on basis respondent lacked standing – Whether respondent “entitled to represent the industrial interests” of letter recipients under s 540(6)(b)(ii) because recipients capable of becoming members of respondent despite not actually being members.    

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 147; (2016) 244 FCR 344 

Return to Top 

Australian Building and Construction Commissioner v Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union & Anor
M11/2017: [2017] HCATrans 106

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Industrial law – Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – Where respondents admitted contravention of s 348 of the Act – Where pecuniary penalties imposed on respondents – Where primary judge ordered first respondent not to indemnify second respondent against penalties – Where Full Federal Court set aside order on basis that Court had no power to make such order – Whether Federal Court has power to order party not to indemnify another party in respect of pecuniary penalty order made under s 546. 

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 184

Return to Top 

Aldi Foods Pty Limited v Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees Association & Anor
M33/2017: [2017] HCATrans 48

Date determined: 8 March 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords: 

Industrial law – Jurisdictional error – Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – Approval of enterprise agreements – Whether Fair Work Commission fell into jurisdictional error in exercising  functions under s 186 – Whether within Fair Work Commission’s jurisdiction to determine whether group of employees who voted on single enterprise agreement within coverage of agreement – Whether Fair Work Commission fell into jurisdictional error in determining agreement satisfied “better off overall test” under s 193 – Unreasonableness in jurisdictional sense. 

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 161; (2016) 262 IR 329

Return to Top 

Esso Australia Pty Ltd v Australian Workers’ Union; Australian Workers’ Union v Esso Australia Pty Ltd
M185/2016; M187/2016: [2016] HCATrans 311

Date heard: 16 December 2016 – Special leave granted on limited grounds.

Catchwords:

Industrial Law – Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – Construction of s 413(5) – Where s 413(5) requires that certain persons “must not have contravened any orders that apply to them” for industrial action to be protected – Whether under s 413(5) the contravention must be at the relevant time – Whether under s 413(5) the order must be operative.

Industrial Law – Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) – Construction of ss 343 and 348 – Where sections prevent actions being taken against another person “with intent to coerce” the other person to take or not take industrial action – Whether sections require knowledge that action was unlawful.

Appealed from FCA (FC): [2016] FCAFC 72; (2016) 258 IR 396

Hearing vacated (4 May 2017). 

Return to Top

Judicial Review  

Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd v Shade Systems Pty Ltd & Anor
S8/2017: [2017] HCATrans 112

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords:

Jurisdiction – Error of law on face of record – Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW) – Where adjudicator made determination under s 22(1) that progress payment to be paid by appellant – Where primary judge made order in nature of certiorari under Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW) s 69 quashing determination for error of law on face of record – Where Court of Appeal held relief not available to quash determination under Act for error of law on face of record – Whether Court of Appeal erred in holding that Supreme Court’s power to make orders in nature of certiorari for error of law on face of record ousted in relation to determinations under Act. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CA): [2016] NSWCA 379
	
Return to Top

Maxcon Constructions Pty Ltd v Vadasz & Ors 
A10/2017: [2017] HCATrans 112

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.

Catchwords:

Jurisdiction – Error of law on face of record – Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009 (SA) – Where adjudicator made determination that amount be paid by appellant – Where appellant sought judicial review of determination – Where Full Court considered it was required by Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd (2007) 230 CLR 89 to follow Shade Systems Pty Ltd v Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd (No 2) [2016] NSWCA 379 (“Probuild”) – Whether Full Court erred in following Probuild and concluding that Act excluded judicial review on ground of error of law on face of record – Whether Full Court erred in holding that error of law in application of s 12 did not amount to jurisdictional error – Whether Full Court erred in holding that, if error enlivened Court’s jurisdiction to grant certiorari, appropriate order would be to partially set aside but partially preserve determination. 

Appealed from SASC (CA): [2017] SASCFC 2
	
Return to Top

Negligence  

Briggs v State of New South Wales 
S14/2017: [2017] HCATrans 109

Date heard: 12 May 2017 – Special leave granted.  

Catchwords: 

Negligence – Works Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) – Breach of duty – Where appellant suffered psychological injury due to exposure to traumatic events in course of duties as police officer – Where appellant told supervisor he was “struggling” and applied for “theoretical demotion” – Where appellant interviewed by Professional Standards Command while on sick leave – Whether Court of Appeal erred in finding respondent did not breach duty of care by failing to make enquiries as to appellant’s reasons for seeking demotion – Whether Court of Appeal erred in formulation of content of duty of care – Whether Court of Appeal erred in finding respondent did not breach duty of care in manner in which professional standards enquiry conducted while appellant was on sick leave. 

Appealed from NSWSC (CA): [2016] NSWCA 344; (2016) Aust Tort Reports 82-319  

Return to Top

6: Cases Not Proceeding or Vacated

7: Special Leave Refused

Publication of Reasons: 3 May 2017 

No.
	
Applicant	
Respondent	
Court appealed from	
Result	
1.		Burke
	Commissioner of Police
(B11/2017)
	Supreme Court of Queensland 
(Court of Appeal)
[2016] QCA 184
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 96	
2.		Kennedy
	Secretary, Department of Industry (Commonwealth of Australia) & Anor
(C4/2017)
	Full Court of the 
Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCAFC 7
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 97	
3.		Frigger & Anor
	Clavey Legal Pty Ltd
(P3/2017)
	Supreme Court of Western Australia (Court of Appeal)
[2016] WASCA 209
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 98	
4.		Nalbandian
	Commonwealth of Australia (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
(S40/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 45
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 99	
5.		Valdez
	Frazer
(S46/2017)
	Family Court of Australia
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 100	
6.		BFS16
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S54/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 142
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 101	
7.		Yadagiri
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S64/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 145
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 102	
8.	Westcott
	South Metropolitan Health Service
(P5/2017)
	Supreme Court of Western Australia (Court of Appeal)
[2016] WASCA 225
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 103	
10.	Norris
	Routley
(S12/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)
[2016] NSWCA 367
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 104	
Return to Top

Publication of Reasons: 10 May 2017 

No.	
Applicant
	
Respondent	
Court appealed from	
Result	
1.		Dirckze
	Holmesglen Institute
(M23/2017)
	Supreme Court of Victoria
[2017] VSC 18
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 105	
2.		Re Lui
(M25/2017)
	
	High Court of Australia

	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 106	
3.		AMR15
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(M30/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 171
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 107	
4.		ATC15 & Ors
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(P4/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2016] FCA 1420
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 108	
5.		SZVTB
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S49/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 234 
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 110	
6.		ANA16
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S55/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCA 155
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 111	

Publication of Reasons: 11 May 2017 

No.	
Applicant
	
Respondent	
Court appealed from	
Result	
1.		Re Jin
(A11/2017)
	
	High Court of Australia

	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 112
	
2.		Bowman
	Transport Accident Commission
(M9/2017)
	Supreme Court of Victoria (Court of Appeal)
[2016] VSCA 120
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 113	
3.		Nugawela
	Deputy Commissioner of Taxation
(P9/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
Western Australia 
(Court of Appeal)
[2017] WASCA 9
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 114	
4.		Jamal
	NSW Police Commissioner 
& Ors
(S38/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)
[2017] NSWCA 7
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 115	
5.		Ara
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S48/2017)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2016] FCA 130
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 116	
6.		Cayzer
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(H1/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia
[2016] FCAFC 176
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 117	
7.		Zhang
	ROC Services (NSW) 
Pty Ltd
(S21/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)
[2016] NSWCA 370
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 118	
8.		National Transport Insurance by its manager, NTI Ltd 
& Ors
	Zhang & Ors
(S22/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)
[2016] NSWCA 370
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 119	
9.		Koranteng
	The Queen
(B3/2017)
	Supreme Court of Queensland (Court of Appeal)
[2016] QCA 299
	Application dismissed
[2017] HCASL 120	
10.		Edington
	Board of Trustees of the State Public Sector Superannuation Scheme
(B66/2016)
	Supreme Court of Queensland (Court of Appeal)
[2016] QCA 247
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 121	
11.		Edington
	Board of Trustees of the State Public Sector Superannuation Scheme
(B1/2017)
	Supreme Court of Queensland (Court of Appeal)
[2016] QCA 247
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 122	
12.		Ingham & Ors
	Australian Building and Construction Commissioner & Anor
(B6/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCAFC 3
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 123	
13.		SZUUH
	Minister for Immigration and Border Protection & Anor
(S292/2016)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2016] FCA 1370
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 124	
14.		Doble Express Transport Pty Ltd 
(In liquidation)
	John L Pierce Pty Ltd
(S19/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)
[2016] NSWCA 352
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 125	
15.		Gould
	Deputy Commissioner of Taxation
(S29/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCAFC 1
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 126	
16.		Russell Associates Ltd
	Deputy Commissioner of Taxation
(S30/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia
[2017] FCAFC 1
	Application dismissed
with costs
[2017] HCASL 127	
17.		Kamm
	State of New South Wales
(S90/2017)
	Supreme Court of 
New South Wales 
(Court of Appeal)

	Application for removal dismissed with costs
[2017] HCASL 128	

12 May 2017: Canberra 

No.	
Applicant	
Respondent	
Court appealed from	
Result	
1.		Struber
	The Queen
(B71/2016)
	Supreme Court of Queensland (Court of Appeal)
[2016] QCA 288
	Special leave refused
[2017] HCATrans 103	
2.		Vasiliades
	Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia
(M6/2017, M7/2017 and M8/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court 
of Australia
[2016] FCAFC 170
	Special leave refused with costs
[2017] HCATrans 104	
3.		Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
	Singh & Anor
(M12/2017)
	Full Court of the Federal Court 
of Australia
[2016] FCAFC 183
	Special leave refused with costs
[2017] HCATrans 107	
4.	Walker
	Sell
(S265/2016)
	Federal Court of Australia
[2016] FCA 1259
	Special leave refused with costs
[2017] HCATrans 110
	
5.	The Queen
	Barbieri
(S6/2017)
	Supreme Court of New South Wales (Court of Criminal Appeal)
[2016] NSWCCA 295
	Special leave refused
[2017] HCATrans 111	

Return to Top