Spencer v Commonwealth of Australia [2009] FCAFC 38

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Spencer v Commonwealth of Australia [2009] FCAFC 38

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – s 51(xxxi) Constitution – acquisition of property on just terms – validity of Commonwealth laws and agreements made pursuant to those laws providing for grants of financial assistance to States under s 96 Constitution – whether Commonwealth laws and agreements effect or authorise the acquisition of property PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – s 31A Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) - whether reasonable prospect of successfully prosecuting the proceeding – whether primary judge erred Held: appeal dismissed Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act(Imp),ss 51(xxxi), 96 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), s 31A Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW) Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (Cth) Natural Heritage Trust of Australia Act 1997 (Cth) Natural Resources Management (Financial Assistance) Act 1992 (Cth) Arnold v Minister Administering the Water Management Act 2000 [2008] NSWCA 338 followed Arnold v Minister Administering the Water Management Act (2007) 157 LGERA 379; [2007] NSWLEC 531 referred to Attorney-General of Victoria v Andrews (2007) 230 CLR 369; [2007] HCA 9 cited Commonwealth v Tasmania (1983) 158 CLR 1 referred to Evans v State of New South Wales (2008) 168 FCR 576;[2008] FCAFC 130 referred to Fairfax v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (1965) 114 CLR 1 cited Farah Constructions Pty Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd (2007) 230 CLR 89; [2007] HCA 22 applied Lange v Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1997) 189 CLR 520 distinguished New South Wales v The Commonwealth (2006) 229 CLR 1; [2006] HCA 52 cited PJ Magennis Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth (1949) 80 CLR 382 distinguished Pye v Renshaw (1951) 84 CLR 58 applied S v Boulton (2006) 151 FCR 364; [2006] FCAFC 99 cited Smith v ANL Ltd (2000) 204 CLR 493; [2000] HCA 58 approved White Industries Aust Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (2007) 160 FCR 298; [2007] FCA 511 referred to