Eagle v Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2014] FCA 1016

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Eagle v Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2014] FCA 1016 Citation: Eagle v Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2014] FCA 1016

Parties: ANGUS EAGLE v CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

File number(s): NSD 131 of 2014

Judge(s): BENNETT J

Date of judgment: 18 September 2014

Catchwords: NEGLIGENCE – proceedings against Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) – whether an applicant for certification is owed a duty of care by CASA – whether statutory or common law duty to provide certification includes a duty to act without unreasonable delay – whether the common law duty of care as pleaded is inconsistent with CASA's powers and functions PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application for dismissal of proceedings under s 31A of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) – alternatively for the statement of claim to be struck out – whether reasonable cause of action disclosed

Legislation: Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth) ss 9A, 31 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) s 31A

Cases cited: Avenhouse v Hornsby Shire Council (1988) 44 NSWLR 1 Fernando v Commonwealth (2010) 188 FCR 188 Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 4) (2012) 203 FCR 293 Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (2012) 203 FCR 325 Repacholi Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (2009) 263 ALR 93 Repacholi Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 2) [2012] FCA 1297 Stovin v Wise [1996] AC 923 Stuart v Kirkland-Veenstra (2009) 237 CLR 215 Sullivan v Moody (2001) 207 CLR 562 Sutherland Shire Council and Heyman (1985) 157 CLR 424 W v Home Office [1997] Imm AR 302