Cassidy & Anor v Medical Benefits Fund of Australia & Anor (No. 2) [2002] FCA 1097

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Cassidy & Anor v Medical Benefits Fund of Australia & Anor (No. 2) [2002] FCA 1097 TRADE PRACTICES – misleading or deceptive conduct – television, newspaper and billboard advertisements for private health insurance leading up to commencement of government 'Lifetime Health Cover' initiative – where MBF represented it would waive waiting periods, that consumers could "join today, claim tomorrow" and transfer from another health fund and receive immediate cover – use of images of pregnancy in advertising – use of small print. TRADE PRACTICES – accessorial liability – whether advertising agency "knowingly concerned in, or a party to, the contravention". TRADE PRACTICES – injunctive relief – corrective advertising and notice to the public considered. Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 1989 (Cth) ss 12DA, 12DB, 12DF, 12GD, 12GE Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 52, 53(c), 53(g), 55A, 75B, 80, 80A Telstra Corporation Limited v Optus Communications Pty Limited (1997) ATPR 41-541 referred to Campomar Sociedad, Limitada v Nike International Ltd (2000) 202 CLR 45 applied ACCC v Target Australia Pty Ltd (2001) ATPR 41-840 applied Trade Practices Commission v Optus Communications Pty Ltd & Anor (1996) ATPR 41-478 referred to George Weston Foods Ltd v Goodman Fielder Ltd (2000) 49 IPR 563 followed TPC v QDSV Holdings Pty Limited (t/as Bush Friends Australia) (1995) ATPR 41-371 applied Argy v Blunts and Lane Cove Real Estate Pty Ltd (1990) 26 FCR 112 referred to Yorke v Lucas (1985) 158 CLR 661 followed ACCC v Nissan Motor Company (Australia) Pty Ltd & Anor (1998) ATPR 41-660 referred to Australian Competition an Consumer Commission v World Netsafe Pty Ltd [2000] FCA 1827 distinguished ACCC v Real Estate Institute of Western Australia Inc (1999) ATPR 41-719 applied