WOOLCOCK STREET INVESTMENTS PTY LTD v CDG PTY LTD

[2005] BLR 92

HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Before Gleeson CJ, McHugh, Gummow, Kirby, Hayne, Callinan and Heydon JJ

Negligence - Duty of care - Pure economic loss - Construction of commercial premises - Whether engineer owed duty of care to subsequent owner. Negligence - Duty of care - Pure economic loss - Whether relationship of engineer and subsequent owner gave rise to duty - Salient features of relationship - Vulnerability - Assumption of responsibility - Reliance or dependence - Whether defects relevant - Whether contract with original owner relevant - Whether statutory protection relevant. Practice and procedure - Appeal by way of case stated - Whether cause of action on agreed facts - Sufficiency of pleading.