Evans v Davantage Group Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 884

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Evans v Davantage Group Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 884 File number(s): VID 982 of 2018

Judge(s): BEACH J

Date of judgment: 11 June 2019

Catchwords: CONTRACTS – representative proceedings – separate question – motor vehicle warranties – construction of contracts including incorporated terms of product disclosure statements – discretionary risk products – 26,000 warranty holders – 49 common form products applying to the total class giving rise to the same question – whether consideration or benefit promised illusory – distinction between a discretion whether to perform a promise and a discretion as to its manner of performance – discussion of Placer Development Ltd v The Commonwealth (1969) 121 CLR 353 – separate question answered

Legislation: Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth) ss 12BF(1)(a),(3), 12BG, 12BH, 12CB Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) Pt 7.6, Pt 7.9, ss 912A, 1012A to 1012C

Cases cited: Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Westpac Banking Corp (No 2) (2018) 357 ALR 240; [2018] FCA 751 Biotechnology Australia Pty Ltd v Pace (1988) 15 NSWLR 130 Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball Co [1893] 1 QB 256 Chappell & Co Ltd v Nestlé Co Ltd [1960] AC 87 Crown Melbourne Ltd v Cosmopolitan Hotel (Vic) Pty Ltd (2016) 260 CLR 1 Hillas & Co Ltd v Arcos Ltd (1932) 147 LT 503 Loftus v Roberts (1902) 18 TLR 532 LSKF Holdings Pty Ltd v Shield Lifestone Holdings Pty Ltd (2018) 128 ACSR 542 Meehan v Jones (1982) 149 CLR 571 Memery v Trilogy Funds Management Ltd [2012] QCA 160 Placer Development Ltd v The Commonwealth (1969) 121 CLR 353 Renard Constructions (ME) Pty Ltd v Minister for Public Works (1992) 26 NSWLR 234 Scammell (G) & Nephew Ltd v H C & T G Ouston [1941] AC 251 Taylor v Brewer (1813) 105 ER 108 Thorby v Goldberg (1965) 112 CLR 597 Upper Hunter County District Council v Australian Chilling & Freezing Co Ltd (1968) 118 CLR 429 Virk Pty Ltd (in liq) v YUM! Restaurants Australia Pty Ltd [2017] FCAFC 190