Langer v The Commonwealth of Australia

The case of *Langer v The Commonwealth of Australia* came before the High Court of Australia. The applicant, Mr. Albert Langer, appeared in person, while the respondent, the Commonwealth of Australia, was represented by the Solicitor-General. The dispute concerned the validity and application of section 329A of an unspecified Act, which the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) was construing in a manner that Mr. Langer contended rendered it invalid. Mr. Langer had filed affidavits and a statement of claim outlining his case, and the Commonwealth had indicated it did not intend to take technical objections to the admissibility of the material presented.

The primary legal issue before the High Court was the constitutional validity of section 329A of the relevant Act, as interpreted by the AEC. Mr. Langer argued that this interpretation rendered the section invalid. The court was also required to consider whether any interlocutory relief should be granted at that stage of the proceedings.

The High Court, having reviewed the filed documents, indicated that Mr. Langer had an arguable case regarding the invalidity of section 329A if construed as the AEC was doing. The Solicitor-General suggested that the question of the section's validity was an appropriate matter to be referred to the Full Court for a decision. The court acknowledged that it would be inappropriate to go further on an interlocutory basis.