Australian Trade Commission v South Bank Corporation [2000] FCA 1322

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Trade Commission v South Bank Corporation [2000] FCA 1322

JURISDICTION - in respect of an "interim decision" of AAT as to meaning of provisions conferring entitlement under Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 - where determination of principal proceedings is contingent on further findings of fact - analysis of degree of finality required to qualify decision for judicial review - whether a "matter" arising under an Act - whether declaration sought advisory opinion and not determinative - application of definition of "matter" DECLARATIONS - disinclination to grant where uncertainty as to future findings of fact - where relief sought could not guarantee state of parties' rights WORDS & PHRASES - "matter" Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 (Cth) ss 63, 107, 10, 25, 97, 98, 99 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) ss 5, 6, 10, 16 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) ss 39B(1A), 2 Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 ss 44, 43 Constitution ss 75, 76, 77 The Commonwealth of Australia v Sterling Nicholas Duty Free Pty Limited (1972) 126 CLR 297 Refd Australian Broadcasting Tribunal v Bond (1990) 170 CLR 321 Considered, Applied Director General Social Services v Chaney (1980) 31 ALR 571 Cited Ross v Costigan (1982) 59 FLR 184 Refd to Fencott v Muller (1983) 152 CLR 570 Cited Abebe v The Commonwealth of Australia (1999) 197 CLR 510 Cited In re Judiciary and Navigation Acts (1921) 29 CLR 257 Considered, Applied Hooper v Kirella (1999) 96 FCR 1 Refd to O'Toole v Charles David Proprietary Limited (No 2) (1991) 171 CLR 232 Refd to Mellifont v Attorney-General for the State of Queensland (1991) 173 CLR 289 Refd to Re Hassell; Ex parte Pride & Norman (No 2)(1984) 2 FCR 319 Cited Bass v Permanent Trustee Company Limited (1999) 73 ALJR 522 Refd to Femcare Ltd v Bright [2000] FCA 512 Cited Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority v Forgie [1999] FCA 1071 Distinguished