Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v Williams [2009] FCAFC 171

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v Williams [2009] FCAFC 171

The conduct of Mr Mates in procuring and threatening a stoppage was a single course of conduct and should be treated as one act for penalty purposes; the primary judge's failure to treat it as such was an error that led to setting aside the penalties and substituting new, lower fines.

Parties
First Appellant: Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union; Second Appellant: Robert Mates; Respondent: Andrew Williams
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
07 December 2009
Procedural Posture
Sentencing Appeal / Full Court Appeal From Penalty Orders
Outcome
appeal allowed; penalties re-imposed
Legal Topics
Pecuniary Penalties, Sentencing Discretion, Course of Conduct, Totality Principle

Case Brief

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Parties

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union

First Appellant

Robert Mates

Second Appellant

Andrew Williams

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Sentencing Appeal / Full Court Appeal From Penalty Orders

  1. 1 Whether conduct was a single course of conduct for sentencing purposes
  2. 2 Whether penalties imposed were excessive or in error

Ratio Decidendi

The conduct of Mr Mates in procuring and threatening a stoppage was a single course of conduct and should be treated as one act for penalty purposes; the primary judge's failure to treat it as such was an error that led to setting aside the penalties and substituting new, lower fines.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; penalties re-imposed

Orders

  • The appeal be allowed.
  • Orders 1 to 5 of the order of Jessup J of 28 May 2009 be set aside.