FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA Migration Agents Registration Authority v Griffiths [2001] FCA 1610 MIGRATION AGENTS REGISTRATION AUTHORITY v DAMIAN GERRARD GRIFFITHS Q 97 of 2001 FRENCH, DOWSETT and GYLES JJ 16 NOVEMBER 2001 BRISBANE IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND DISTRICT REGISTRY Q 97 OF 2001 ON APPEAL FROM A JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA BETWEEN: MIGRATION AGENTS REGISTRATION AUTHORITY APPELLANT AND: DAMIAN GERRARD GRIFFITHS RESPONDENT JUDGES: FRENCH, DOWSETT & GYLES JJ DATE: 16 NOVEMBER 2001 PLACE: BRISBANE REASONS FOR JUDGMENT THE COURT: 1 We delivered judgment in this matter on 24 August 2001, indicating at that time that in our opinion there should be no order as to costs. We were subsequently asked to receive submissions in support of an application by the respondent for an order in his favour. We have now received written submissions from both sides. It is not appropriate to revisit the issues in the appeal with which we have adequately dealt in our published reasons. 2 It is sufficient for present purposes to say that the consequences of the interlocutory order which was the subject of the appeal are such that it is inappropriate to seek to unravel them by further judicial intervention. Indeed, it may be impossible to do so. In those circumstances we do not consider that there is any firm basis in principle for making an order for costs in favour of the respondent. Given the unusual situation with which the Court is faced, we also consider that it would be inappropriate to accede to the appellant's request for an order for the costs of and incidental to its submissions upon the issue of costs. 3 There will be no order as to costs. I certify that the preceding three (3) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Court. Associate: Dated: 16 November 2001 Counsel for the Appellant: Mr P G Bickford Solicitor for the Appellant: Blake Dawson Waldron Counsel for the Respondent: Mr J Bell QC and Mr M J Burns Solicitor for the Respondent: McCullough Robertson Lawyers Date of Hearing: 24 August 2001 Date of Judgment: 16 November 2001