B.M.D. Constructions Pty Ltd v Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (No 4)
What happened
B.M.D. Constructions Pty Ltd sought to strike out paragraphs in a defence filed by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) regarding alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act and the Competition and Consumer Act. The CFMEU had pleaded 'it does not know' in response to B.M.D.'s allegations concerning the attendance of CFMEU officials at a construction site. B.M.D. argued this was an abuse of process, claiming the information needed for a responsive plea was available to the CFMEU. The Federal Court (Meagher J) made orders striking out those paragraphs in February 2026.
What was decided
The Federal Court found that B.M.D.'s argument regarding the CFMEU's pleading was valid and granted the strikeout order. The court determined there would be no order for costs related to B.M.D.’s interlocutory application to strike out the paragraphs. This decision was made based on section 570 of the Fair Work Act, which limits when costs can be awarded in matters arising under the Act. The Court emphasized that this limitation aims to ensure access to justice and discourage litigants from avoiding pursuing legitimate claims.
What it means for employers
Employers should ensure their pleadings are clear and specific when making allegations. If a union or other party pleads non-admissions without reasonable grounds, employers may have recourse to seek striking out of those paragraphs. However, be mindful that costs orders are limited by the Fair Work Act and courts will consider access to justice.
What it means for employees
Employees and unions should ensure responses to allegations in legal proceedings are based on available information and not simply a default 'does not know' plea. Unions need to carefully assess their position before pleading non-admissions, as this could lead to costs being awarded against them.
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