Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd v Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd

Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd brought an action against Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd, seeking damages for alleged tortious interference with contractual relations, inducement of breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy. The matter was before the Federal Court of Australia. The primary legal issue for determination was whether Wright Prospecting's statement of claim disclosed a cause of action. Specifically, the Court had to consider whether the plaintiff had alleged sufficient facts to establish the necessary elements of the causes of action pleaded.

The Court found that the plaintiff had failed to properly plead the necessary elements of the tortious interference and conspiracy claims. Wright Prospecting's statement of claim did not sufficiently allege that Hancock Prospecting had intentionally induced a breach of contract, or that Hancock Prospecting's actions were improper. In addition, the plaintiff had not adequately alleged the necessary elements of the unlawful means conspiracy. The Court held that the plaintiff had failed to sufficiently plead the necessary elements of these causes of action. Accordingly, the Court dismissed the application for summary judgment and struck out certain paragraphs of the statement of claim. The plaintiff was granted leave to amend its statement of claim to address these deficiencies.