Speers Point RSL Club Ltd v The Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch) [2012] NSWSC 1011

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Speers Point RSL Club Ltd v The Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch) [2012] NSWSC 1011 Hearing dates: 29 & 30 November, 1 & 2 December 2011 Decision date: 29 August 2012 Jurisdiction: Equity Division Before: Slattery J Decision: Plaintiff's claim dismissed. Directions made for filing submissions in relation to costs. Catchwords: EQUITY - equitable remedies - trusts and trustees - plaintiff R.S.L. Club claims to have funded the acquisition of three properties adjacent to Club premises - the three properties purchased in the names of trustees of the local Sub-Branch of the NSW R.S.L. - whether the three properties are held by the trustees on resulting, express or constructive trust for the plaintiff Club - whether plaintiff entitled to relief under Real Property Act, s 45D or in promissory estoppel in respect of the three properties. Legislation Cited: Companies Act 1961 (NSW) Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW), s 23C Limitation Act 1969 (NSW), s 27(2) Liquor Act 1912 (NSW), s 134B Public Accountants Registration Act 1945 (NSW) Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), s 45D Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW) Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) Incorporation Act 1935 (NSW) Cases Cited: Austotel Pty Ltd v Franklins Self Serve- Pty Limited (1989) 16 NSWLR 582 Bahr v Nicolay (No 2) (1988) 164 CLR 604 Bartlett v Ryan [2000] NSWSC 807 Baumgartner v Baumgartner (1987) 164 CLR 137 Calverley v Green (1984) 155 CLR 242 Ciavarella v Polimeni [2008] NSWSC 234 Dillwyn v Llewelyn (1862) 45 ER 1285 Dowse v Wynyard Holdings Ltd [1962] NSWR 252 ER Ives Investment Limited v High [1967] 2 QB 379 Giumelli v Giumelli (1999) 196 CLR 101 McBride v Sandland (1918) 25 CLR 69 Muschinski v Dodds (1985) 160 CLR 583 Mulcahy v Curramore Pty Ltd [1974] 2 NSWLR 464 Napier v Public Trustee (WA) (1980) 32 ALR 153 Ramsden v Dyson & Thornton (1866) LR1HL 129 Walton's Stores (Interstate) Limited v Maher (1988) 164 CLR 387 Texts Cited: Jacob's Law of Trusts, 7th ed, LexisNexis Butterworths, 2006, [1210] Category: Principal judgment Parties: Plaintiff:- Speers Point RSL Club Ltd First Defendant:- The Returned and Services League of Australia (NSW Branch) Second Defendant:- Lyle Alan Dalton Third Defendant:- Aubrey Fitzsimmons Fourth Defendant:- Anne Walker Fifth Defendant:- Registrar-General Representation: Counsel: