Darrow v FreshFood Management Services Pty Ltd [2003] NSWIRComm 264

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales in Court Session

CITATION : Darrow v FreshFood Management Services Pty Ltd [2003] NSWIRComm 264 APPLICANT Jason Darrow PARTIES : RESPONDENT FreshFood Management Services Pty Limited FILE NUMBER: IRC1976 of 2003 CORAM: Peterson J CATCHWORDS : Unfair contract - S106 - Term of Employment constraining employee from working with a competitor in New South Wales for 12 months - Restraint of trade - Whether reasonable - Whether an issue open to resolution in s106 proceedings - Whether contract unfair - Held unfair, harsh and contrary to public interest only as to term of restraint - Contract varied to reduce term to six months. LEGISLATION CITED : Industrial Relations Act 1996 s106 Restraints of Trade Act 1976 (NSW) Daley, Stuart, Clyde, Walters, Mullins v New South Wales Rugby League Limited and Ors (1995) 78 IR 247 Blackler v New Zealand Rugby Football League (Inc) [1968] NZLR 547 Carter v New South Wales Rugby League Limited and Anor (1997) 78 IR 368 CASES CITED : Amoco Australia Pty Limited v Rocca Bros. Motor Engineering Co. Pty Ltd (1973) 133 CLR 288 at 318 Harper v Candle Australia Limited [2001] NSWIRComm 77 Nordenfelt v The Maxim Nordenfelt Guns and Ammunition Company, Limited [1894] AC 535 Kone Elevators Pty Limited v McNay & Anor (1997) ATPR 41-564 Littlewood's Organisation Limited v Harris [1977] 1 WLR 1472 HEARING DATES: 08/04/2003; 08/05/2003; 08/07/2003 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 08/15/2003