Ann: Supreme Court decision in Metgasco's favour, page-13

Costs

Neither party submitted that costs should not follow the event. Nor do I consider that there is any reason to depart from the usual approach.

Orders

(1) It is declared that the decision of the Minister, by his delegate, on 14 May 2014 (the First Decision) to suspend specified operations under Petroleum Exploration Licence No 16 (PEL 16), being the construction of the Rosella E01 conventional gas exploration well approved by the Minister’s delegate on 6 February 2014 (the Approved Activity), was not made according to law.

(2) It is declared that the decision of the Minister, by his delegate, on 26 June 2014 (the Second Decision) to confirm the First Decision was not made according to law.

(3) The First Decision is quashed.

(4) The Second Decision is quashed.

(5) The first defendant must pay the costs of the plaintiff of the proceedings before me.

Will a case for damages follow?
GLTAH