Harding v Vice Chancellor, University of New South Wales (EOD)

The appeal, lodged by the appellant, Mr Harding, against the Vice Chancellor of the University of New South Wales, concerns an order made by the court below that the appellant pay the university’s costs on the hearing of an earlier appeal. The dispute originates from a decision made by the university in relation to the appellant's academic standing. This case was heard in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The legal issues before the court were whether the lower court had correctly exercised its discretion in ordering the appellant to pay the university's costs on the hearing of the appeal and if the order was proportionate and just. The appellant argued that the costs awarded were excessive and not warranted by the nature of the case, which was considered relatively minor.

The court found that the lower court had not erred in its discretion to order the appellant to pay the university's costs. The court held that the amount of costs was reasonable and appropriate, given the complexity and significance of the issues involved. The appeal was dismissed, and the appellant was ordered to pay the university's costs. If the parties could not agree on the amount, a costs assessor would determine it under the Legal Profession Act 1987.