Local law firm SPM has taken on Clive Palmer – and won!
Mr Palmer, federal leader of the Palmer United Party and Member for Fairfax, held a self-proclaimed 68-0 win-loss record in litigation. Today that record stands at 68-1.
SPM agreed to act for Pinehurst Nominees Pty Ltd (“Pinehurst”) in a recent case.
An SPM spokesman said Pinehurst was entitled to six free rounds of golf at any one time, including use of a motorised cart. In theory, 12 rounds a day was possible.
Dr Dean Andary, a director of Pinehurst, had lawfully conducted a business since the early 1990s, selling these rounds of golf. The Hyatt, which previously managed the golf course and resort now known as the Palmer Coolum Resort, was aware of Dr Andary’s business. In fact, all bookings were made directly through staff at the golf pro shop. Pinehurst was entitled to the free golf rounds until at least 2035.
But according to a former employee of the Palmer Coolum Resort, not long after Mr Palmer’s company took over, he was instructed by Mr Palmer personally to inform Dr Andary that his rounds of golf would no longer be honoured.
Dr Andary engaged SPM to sue Mr Palmer’s company for damages for breach of contract. Dr Andary won. Mr Palmer’s company was ordered to pay Pinehurst close to $720,000 plus legal costs.
“This amount represented the likely income Pinehurst would have continued to earn from its business,” the spokesman said.
