Australia China Business Bureau Pty Ltd v MCP Australia Pty Ltd [2003] FCA 934

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Australia China Business Bureau Pty Ltd v MCP Australia Pty Ltd [2003] FCA 934

CONTRACT – whether a contract is established by a course of dealing between the parties – whether a breach of contract has been established – whether there is a relevant estoppel – unconscionable conduct – no question of principle

Sale of Goods Act 1923 (NSW) s 12(2), 13, 13(2) Sale of Goods Act 1893 (UK) s 8 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) s 51AA, 51AA(1), 51AB, 51AC, 51AC(10)

Allstate Life Insurance Company v Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (1995) 58 FCR 26 referred to Austotel Pty Ltd v Franklins Self-Serve Pty Ltd (1989) 16 NSWLR 582 referred to Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd v Frost Holdings Pty Ltd [1989] VR 695 cited Australian Broadcasting Corporation v XIVTH Commonwealth Games Ltd (1988) 18 NSWLR 540 applied Australian Competition & Consumer Commission v CG Berbatis Holdings Pty Ltd (2003) 197 ALR 153 referred to Australian Development Corp Pty Ltd v White Constructions Ltd (2001) 189 ALR 266 referred to Australis Media Holdings Pty Ltd v Telstra Corporation Ltd (1998) 43 NSWLR 104 cited Barrier Wharfs Ltd v W Scott Fell & Co Ltd (1908) 5 CLR 647 referred to Booker Industries Pty Ltd v Wilson Parking (Qld) Pty Ltd (1982) 149 CLR 600 referred to Brambles Holdings Ltd v Bathurst City Council (2001) 53 NSWLR 153 referred to Branir Pty Ltd v Owston Nominees (No. 2) Pty Ltd (2001) 117 FCR 424 referred to Brown v Gould [1972] 1 Ch 53 referred to Burger King Corporation v Hungry Jack's Pty Ltd [2001] NSWCA 187 referred to Coal Cliff Collieries Pty Ltd v Sijehama Pty Ltd (1991) 24 NSWLR 1 distinguished Commonwealth v Verwayen (1990) 170 CLR 394 cited Fletcher Challenge Energy Ltd v Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Ltd [2002] 2 NZLR 433 considered Giumelli v Giumelli (1999) 196 CLR 101 cited Hall v Busst (1960) 104 CLR 206 cited Kuwait Asia Bank EC v National Mutual Life Nominees Ltd [1991] 1 AC 187 referred to LMI Australasia Pty Ltd v Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd [2001] NSWSC 886 applied May & Butcher Ltd v The King [1934] 2 KB 17 referred to Media Holdings Pty Ltd v Telstra Corporation Ltd (1998) 43 NSWLR 104 cited O'Brien v Dawson (1942) 66 CLR 18 referred to Overlook v Foxtel [2002] NSWSC 17 cited Peters (WA) Ltd v Petersville Ltd (2001) 205 CLR 126 referred to Said v Butt [1920] 3 KB 497 cited Stocks & Holdings (Constructors) Pty Ltd v Arrowsmith (1964) 112 CLR 646 referred to Telstra Corporation Ltd v Optus Network Pty Ltd (2000) 193 ALR 353 cited Vroon BV v Foster's Brewing Group Ltd [1994] 2 VR 32 cited Waltons Stores (Interstate) Ltd v Maher (1988) 164 CLR 387 cited Wenning v Robinson (1964) SR (NSW) 157 referred to Cheshire & Fifoot's Law of Contract (8th Australian Edition) [5.19] The Laws of Australia (Law Book Company) Vol 8 [18] Benjamin's Sale of Goods (6th ed) 2-046 Sutton Sales and Consumer Law (4th ed) [6.4] Carter & Harland Contract Law in Australia (4th ed) [2318] AUSTRALIA CHINA BUSINESS BUREAU PTY LTD v MCP AUSTRALIA PTY LTD & ORS N 1228 OF 2001 HELY J 5 SEPTEMBER 2003 SYDNEY