Nicholson-Brown v Jennings [2007] FCA 634

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Nicholson-Brown v Jennings [2007] FCA 634 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – review of decision of the Minister to remove applicants from their position as inspectors under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth) ('the Act') – where change in governmental policy not yet implemented in legislation – whether Minister took into account irrelevant considerations – whether new criteria in policy constituted an irrelevant consideration – whether policy contrary to the subject-matter, scope or purposes of the Act – whether failure to take into account relevant considerations – whether decision made for an improper purpose – whether denial of procedural fairness – whether suspension and subsequent removal decision can be considered one decision-making process – whether applicants' reputation adversely affected – whether applicants afforded an opportunity to respond STATUTORY INTERPRETATION – whether decision to remove applicants was authorised by the Act – whether the power to remove can be implied where there is a power to appoint – effect of s 33(3) and 33(4) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth) on the exercise of the power – discussion of whether removal decision constitutes an "instrument" – whether power to appoint constitutes a power to make, grant or issue an instrument

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth), ss 21C, 21R, 21S Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Amendment Act 2006 (Cth) Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), 160(1) Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Cth), s 33(3), 33(4) Applicant VEAL of 2002 v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (2005) 225 CLR 88 considered Barton v Croner Trading Pty Ltd (1984) 3 FCR 95 cited Bond v WorkCover Corporation (SA) (2005) 93 SASR 315 cited Dennis Willcox Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (1998) 79 ALR 267 cited Edenmead Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (1984) 4 FCR 348 cited Hot Holdings Pty Ltd v Creasy (2002) 210 CLR 438 cited Jarratt v Commissioner of Police (NSW) (2005) 224 CLR 44 cited Laurence v Chief of Navy (2004) 139 FCR 555 applied Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v Jia Legeng (2001) 205 CLR 507 cited Minister for Aboriginal Affairs v Peko-Wallsend Ltd (1986) 162 CLR 24 cited Murphyores Incorporated Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (1976) 136 CLR 1 cited Nguyen v Minister for Health and Ageing [2002] FCA 1241 considered Project Blue Sky Inc v Australian Broadcasting Authority (1998) 194 CLR 355 cited R v Anderson; Ex parte Ipec-Air Pty Ltd (1965) 113 CLR 177 cited Re Brian Lawlor Automotive Pty Ltd and Collector of Customs (NSW) (1978) 1 ALD 167 cited Registrar for Liquor Licences v Iliadis (1988) 19 FCR 311 considered South Australia v O'Shea (1987) 163 CLR 378 cited X v Australian Crime Commission (2004) 139 FCR 413 followed