Durkin v Pioneer Permanent Building Society Limited (ACN 087 652 042) [2003] FCA 419

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Durkin v Pioneer Permanent Building Society Limited (ACN 087 652 042) [2003] FCA 419 PROCEDURE – whether proceedings be dismissed – whether statement of claim be struck out. CONTRACT – where agent acting for party – where special conditions – where valuation condition – whether binding contract concluded – whether affirmed contract – whether waiver – whether terminated wrongfully – whether repudiated contract – whether implied term of acting reasonably and honestly – whether should consider property income in valuation – whether in breach of lending guidelines – whether claim in contract. TORTS – whether negligent in giving instructions – whether negligent in not appreciating a party's dissatisfaction with valuation – whether claim in negligence. TRADE PRACTICES – whether misleading or deceptive conduct pursuant to s 52 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – where representations allegedly made orally and in writing – whether unconscionable conduct pursuant to s 51AA Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – whether at special disadvantage – where in unequal bargaining position – where in financial need.

Spencer v The Commonwealth of Australia (1907) 5 CLR 418 discussed Shepherd v Felt and Textilers of Australia Ltd (1931) 45 CLR 359 applied Hurley v McDonald's Australia Ltd (2000) ATPR 41,741 discussed The Commercial Bank of Australia Limited v Amadio & Anor (1983) 151 CLR 447 applied Blomley v Ryan (1956) 99 CLR 362 at 405 cited Bridgewater & Ors v Leahy & Ors (1998) 194 CLR 457 cited Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v CG Berbatis Holdings Pty Ltd & Ors [2003] HCA 18 applied Trade Practices Act ss 51A, 51AA, 51AB, 51AC, 52 Federal Court Rules O 11 r 16, O 20 r 2,

THOMAS KIERAN DURKIN AND RHONDA JOAN DURKIN v PIONEER PERMANENT BUILDING SOCIETY LIMITED (ACN 087 652 042), JEFFREY DAVID DODDS AND DOUGLAS KNIGHT Q 174 OF 2002 DOWSETT J 9 MAY 2003 BRISBANE