Carey-Hazell v Getz Bros & Co (Aust) Pty Ltd (ACN 005 932 654) [2001] FCA 703

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Carey-Hazell v Getz Bros & Co (Aust) Pty Ltd

(ACN 005 932 654) [2001] FCA 703 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – summary dismissal – proceedings frivolous or vexatious – abuse of process – cause of action allegedly outside limitation period – effect of limitation provisions as bar to remedy – Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 74J and 75AO – causes of action not extinguished – proceedings neither abuse of process nor frivolous or vexatious solely on basis that out of time – motion to dismiss action dismissed LIMITATION OF ACTIONS - bar to remedy or extinguishment of cause of action – question of construction – action commenced out of time – whether frivolous or vexatious or abuse of process – without more action not susceptible to be dismissed on those bases TRADE PRACTICES – consumer protection – product liability – prosthetic heart valve – not reasonably fit for purpose – defect causing injury – commencement of action – whether barred by time limitation provisions – Trade Practices Act 1974(Cth) s 74J and s 75AO – nature of limitation provisions – whether proceeding frivolous or vexatious or abuse of process – motion to dismiss action dismissed. Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 74B, 74J, 75AD, 75AC, 75AO Australian Iron & Steel Ltd v Hoogland (1962) 108 CLR 471, cited McKain v RW Miller & Company (South Australia) Pty Limited (1991) 174 CLR 1, cited White v Eurocycle Pty Ltd (1995) 64 SASR 461, followed Fibreglass Pool Works (Manufacturing) Pty Ltd v ICI Australia Pty Ltd (1997) 146 ALR 120, cited Commonwealth v Mewett (1995) 59 FCR 391, cited Commonwealth v Verwayen (1990) 170 CLR 394, cited Ronex Properties Ltd v John Laing Construction Ltd [1983] QB 398, cited F v Wirral Metropolitan Council (1990) 2 WLR 1132, cited Wardley Australia Ltd v The State of Western Australia (1992) 175 CLR 514, cited McGee, Limitation Periods, 3rd Edition, Sweet & Maxwell (1998) p 29