Harrison v The State Transport Authority

This matter came before the High Court of Australia concerning an application by Mr G.A. Stretton, acting for the applicant's solicitor, to withdraw as solicitor on record for Peter Linden Harrison. The respondent, The State Transport Authority, had indicated no interest in the application and did not intend to appear.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether to grant the declaration sought by the applicant's solicitor, namely that Stephen Harry MacFarlane had ceased to be the solicitor acting for Peter Linden Harrison in proceedings No A20 of 1988, Harrison v The State Transport Authority. The Court also considered whether proper service had been effected on Mr Harrison and whether he had been notified of the hearing.

The Court, having read the supporting affidavit of Stephen Harry MacFarlane and being satisfied that service of the summons and affidavit had been effected on Mr Harrison by leaving a copy at his home and by registered post, and noting that Mr Harrison had received further correspondence from his solicitors, made an order. The Court found that the applicant's solicitor was entitled to the order sought.

In accordance with Order 7 rule 7 of the High Court Rules, the Court declared that Stephen Harry MacFarlane had ceased to be the solicitor acting for Peter Linden Harrison in proceeding No A20 of 1988, Harrison v The State Transport Authority.