Caple v All Fasteners (WA) (A Firm) [2005] FCA 1558

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Caple v All Fasteners (WA) (A Firm) [2005] FCA 1558

TRADE PRACTICES – appeal – misleading and deceptive conduct – accessorial liability – alleged representations in Business Report and Purchase Agreement – whether primary finding of inferred actual knowledge in error of law – rule in Browne v Dunn not assist appellant – issues of causal connection unnecessary to decide – absence of evidence that representations were put in cross-examination – absence of foundation for inferences – no basis of direct liability Fair Trading Act 1985 (WA) ss 4, 10 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 52, 75B, 82, 87 All Fasteners (WA) v Grant Caple Pty Ltd & Ors [2003] FMCA 430 referred to Allied Pastoral Holdings Pty Ltd v Federal Commissioner of Taxation [1983] 1 NSWLR 1 cited Arktos Pty Ltd v Idyllic Nominees Pty Ltd [2004] FCAFC 119 distinguished Browne v Dunn (1893) 6 R 67 considered Commercial Union Assurance Company of Australia Ltd v Ferrcom (1991) 22 NSWLR 389 distinguished Costa Vraca Pty Ltd v Derrigan Weed and Pest Control Pty Ltd (1998) 155 ALR 714 referred to Doney & Anor v Palmview Sawmill Pty Ltd & Ors [2005] QSC 62 referred to Henville v Walker (2001) 206 CLR 459 referred to Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 considered Micarone v Perpetual Trustees [1999] SASC 265 distinguished Quinlivan v Australian Competition & Consumer Commission [2004] FCAFC 175 followed Rinbridge Marketing Pty Ltd v Walsh [2000] FCA 1738 cited Sutton v A J Thompson Pty Ltd (in liq) & Ors (1987) 73 ALR 233 referred to Trade Practices Commission v Mobil Oil Australia Ltd (1984) 3 FCR 168 considered Yorke v Lucas (1985) 158 CLR 661 followed MICHELLE CAPLE v ALL FASTENERS (WA) (A FIRM) WAD 13 of 2005 NICHOLSON J 4 NOVEMBER 2005 PERTH

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY WAD 13 OF 2005