Little v Khoury T/As Gas-250 Restorations

Little, a Queensland resident, filed a claim against Khoury, a New South Wales resident who operated a business named Gas-250 Restorations. The dispute centred on the restoration of a gas meter, with Little alleging that Khoury failed to complete the job to a satisfactory standard and overcharged for the services provided. The case was heard in the Queensland Magistrates Court.

The central legal issue was the court's jurisdiction to hear the claim, specifically when the cause of action arose. Little argued that the cause of action accrued when the services were rendered, which was within Queensland. Khoury contended that the cause of action occurred when Little became aware of the unsatisfactory work and overcharge, which was in New South Wales.

The court determined that the cause of action arose when Little became aware of the alleged breach of contract and overcharge, which occurred in New South Wales. Given that the requisite jurisdictional amount was not met under Queensland law for claims arising in that state, the court found itself without jurisdiction to hear the matter. Consequently, the application was dismissed for want of jurisdiction.