Forsdike v Lawrence J. Mansour Pty Limited

The appeal concerned a decision by Lawrence J. Mansour Pty Limited regarding the extension of a limitation period under section 151D of the *Workers Compensation Act 1987* (NSW). The specific parties and the precise nature of the dispute leading to the initial application for an extension are not detailed in the provided text, but the core of the matter involved the application of the statutory power to extend time limits within the workers compensation framework. The appeal was heard by the Court of Appeal of New South Wales.

The central legal issue before the Court of Appeal was the standard of review applicable to a judge's decision to grant or refuse an extension of time under section 151D of the *Workers Compensation Act 1987*. This involved determining the appropriate level of scrutiny the appellate court should apply when considering such a discretionary decision made at first instance.

The Court of Appeal, in its reasoning, affirmed that the standard of review for a discretionary decision under section 151D of the *Workers Compensation Act 1987* is not one of de novo review. Instead, the appellate court must be satisfied that the judge at first instance erred in principle or made a decision that was plainly wrong. The judges applied established principles regarding the review of discretionary powers, emphasising that an appellate court should not interfere with a judge's exercise of discretion unless there is a demonstrable error.

The appeal was dismissed, and the appellant was ordered to pay the costs of the appeal.