State of NSW v Bitsikas & State of NSW v Pabi Holdings Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 773

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : State of NSW v Bitsikas & State of NSW v Pabi Holdings Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 773

HEARING DATE(S) : 5 July 2010

JUDGMENT DATE : 28 July 2010

JURISDICTION : Common Law

JUDGMENT OF : Davies J

DECISION : (1) In both matters the appeals are allowed. (2) The judgments of the Local Court of 30 September 2008 and 22 January 2009 be set aside. (3) In lieu thereof, order that the proceedings are remitted to the Local Court to be heard and determined according to law by another Magistrate. (4) The costs of the proceedings before Magistrate Pierce in the Local Court to be the costs at the further hearing. (5) The Defendants are to pay the Plaintiff's costs of this appeal. (6) The Defendants are to have a certificate under the Suitors Fund if otherwise so entitled.

CATCHWORDS : APPEAL - from Local Court - obligation to provide adequate reasons - motor vehicle accident - each party alleging negligence in the other - failure of Magistrate to make necessary factual findings - failure to provide adequate reasons. EVIDENCE - expert evidence - requirements of Expert Witness Code for proper expression of opinion - need to show reasons for opinion - matters remitted to Local Court for hearing by another Magistrate.

Evidence Act 1995 LEGISLATION CITED : Local Court Act 2007 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules

CATEGORY : Principal judgment

Abalos v Australian Postal Commission (1990) 171 CLR 167 Alchin v Daley [2009] NSWCA 418 Fox v Percy (2003) 214 CLR 118 Goodrich Aerospace Pty Ltd v Arsic (2006) 66 NSWLR 186 CASES CITED : Makita (Australia) Pty Ltd v Sprowles (2001) 52 NSWLR 705 Northern NSW FM Pty Ltd v Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (1990) 26 FCR 39 Ocean Marine Mutual Insurance Association (Europe) OB v Jetopay Pty Ltd [2000] FCA 1463 Sellers v Marchant [2008] NSWSC 120 Walker Corporation Pty Ltd v Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority [2009] NSWCA 178