Johnson v DOCS [1999] NSWSC 1156

Reported Decision : (2000) Aust Torts Reports 81-540

New South Wales Supreme Court CITATION : Johnson v DOCS [1999] NSWSC 1156 CURRENT JURISDICTION : Common Law Division FILE NUMBER(S) : 20729/97 HEARING DATE(S) : 24/11/99, 25/11/99 JUDGMENT DATE : 2 December 1999

Christopher Johnson - Appellant PARTIES : Department of Community Services - First Respondent Minister for Community Services - Second Respondent State of New South Wales - Third Respondent JUDGMENT OF : Rolfe J

LOWER COURT JURISDICTION : Supreme Court LOWER COURT FILE NUMBER(S) : 20729/1997 LOWER COURT JUDICIAL OFFICER : Master Harrison

COUNSEL : Mr T.K. Tobin QC/Mr P.W.J. Gray - Appellant Mr J.A. McCarthy QC/Ms R. Druitt - Respondents SOLICITORS : Carroll & O'Dea - Appellant I.V. Knight, Crown Solicitor - Respondents CATCHWORDS : An Aboriginal boy was made a ward of the State as an infant. After the expiration of the limitation period he sought to bring proceedings against the respondents alleging common law negligence, and breach of statutory and fiduciary duties. The Master refused to extend the time on the basis that he had not established the requirements of s.58(2) and ss.60G and I. Held the Master was in error in this regard, but not in finding that he had available causes of action and it was otherwise just and reasonable to grant the extension.; Test to be applied as to the extent to which the applicant must show an available cause of action in an application to extend time:-; Williams v Minister, Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Anor (1994) 35 NSWLR 497; Commonwealth of Australia v McLean (1997) 41 NSWLR 389.; Exercise of discretion in extending time under Limitation Act:-; Brisbane South Regional Health Authority v Taylor (1996) 186 CLR 541; Sydney City Council v Zegarac (1998) 43 NSWLR 195.; The Nature of the Appellant's Case; Breach of Common Law Duty:-; Williams v Minister, Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Anor (1999) 25 FamLR 86; Hahn v Conley (1971) 126 CLR 276; Perre v Apand Pty Limited (1999) 73 ALJR 1190; Cubillo v Commonwealth of Australia (1999) 163 ALR 395.; Breach of Statutory Duty; Policy or operational:-; Pyrenees Shire Council v Day (1998) 192 CLR 330, Romeo v Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory (1998) 192 CLR 431; Air Services Australia v Zarb (Court of Appeal - 26 August 1998 - unreported); TC v New South Wales (1999) NSWSC 31; X (Minors) v Bedford County Council [1995] 2 AC 633.; Breach of Fiduciary Duty:-; Bennett v Minister of Community Welfare (1992) 176 CLR 408; Henderson v Mevrett Syndicates [1995] AC 145; Secretary, Department of Health and Community Services v J.W.B. and S.M.B. (Marion's Case) (1992) 175 CLR 218 at 317; Williams v Minister, Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Anor (1994) 35 NSWLR 497; Paramasivan v Flynn (1998) 160 ALR 203; M(K) v M(H) (1992) 96 DLR (4th) 289; Breen v Williams (1996) 186 CLR 71; Northern Land Council v The Commonwealth (No 2) (1987) 75 ALR 210; Brunninghausen v Glavanics (1999) 46 NSWLR 538. DECISION : (a) Appeal allowed; (b) The orders of Master Harrison of 29 June 1999 set aside; (c) In lieu thereof ordered that pursuant to s.60G and s.58 of the Limitation Act 1969, the limitation period for the causes of action for negligence and breach of statutory duties set out in the Statement of Claim filed on 24 July 1997, being for damages for personal injury, be extended to 24 July 1997; (d) The respondents pay the appellant's costs of the proceedings before Master Harrison and of the appeal; (e) The exhibits be returned