Farley-Smith v Repatriation Commission [2012] FCA 80

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Farley-Smith v Repatriation Commission [2012] FCA 80 Citation: Farley-Smith v Repatriation Commission [2012] FCA 80

Appeal from: Farley-Smith and Repatriation Commission [2010] AATA 637

Parties: GWENDA FARLEY-SMITH v REPATRIATION COMMISSION

File number: VID 826 of 2010

Judge: DODDS-STREETON J

Date of judgment: 13 February 2012

Catchwords: DEFENCE AND WAR – Claim for pension by widow of veteran with operational service – Administrative Appeals Tribunal affirmed decision of respondent that death of veteran not war-caused – Standard of proof – Whether tribunal misapplied relevant principles and authorities – Whether apprehended bias – Whether denial of procedural fairness

Legislation: Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cth) ss 33, 39 Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (Cth) s 120(1) and (3)

Cases cited: British American Tobacco Australia Services Ltd v Laurie (2011) 242 CLR 283 distinguished Bull v Repatriation Commission (2001) 188 ALR 756 cited Bushell v Repatriation Commission (1992) 175 CLR 408 considered Byrnes v Repatriation Commission (1993) 177 CLR 564 considered Collins v Repatriation Commission (2009) 177 FCR 280 cited East v Repatriation Commission (1987) 16 FCR 517 discussed Leighton v Repatriation Commission [2000] AATA 144 considered Leon Holdings Pty Ltd v O'Donnell (2009) 25 VR 569 Re Stacey (unreported, Veterans' Review Board, 26 June 1985) cited Repatriation Commission v Bey (1997) 79 FCR 364 discussed Repatriation Commission v Dunn (2006) 94 ALD 97 cited Repatriation Commission v Law (1980) 31 ALR 140 cited Repatriation Commission v Webb (1998) 51 ALD 575 discussed The Ship "Gem of Safaga" v Euroceanica (UK) Ltd (2010) 265 ALR 88 cited Whitworth v Repatriation Commission (2003) 78 ALD 126 discussed