1908 Jumbunna Case

The Jumbunna Coal Mine, No liability and Another v The Victorian Coal Miners’ Association (Jumbunna Case) (1908) 6 CLR 309 – Appeal to High Court Griffith C.J., Barton, O’Connor, Isaacs JJ., Judgment, 6 October 1908

Case summary

The High Court decides that the term 'industrial dispute' should be interpreted broadly and covers 'every kind of dispute between master and workman in relation to any kind of labour'. This is consistent with the general constitutional principle that the Constitution should only be interpreted narrowly if such an interpretation would better carry out its object and purpose. The decision also confirms that the formation and regulation of representative bodies of employers and employees is properly 'incidental' to the Parliament's conciliation and arbitration powers.