Cao v ISPT Pty Ltd [2024] NSWCA 188

CONTRACTS – Construction of a commercial lease – Whether COVID public health restrictions prevented tenant from “opening” the premises for business – Paramount clause to be construed before paramountcy can take effect – Not construed to require illegal activity.

CONTRACTS – Termination – Frustration – Impossibility of performance – Frustration does not apply as COVID public health orders as supervening event was risk for which tenant had assumed responsibility under the lease – Relevant orders did not require radical or fundamental change in what contracted for in any event.

Jennifer Mee appeared for the Respondents.

Reasons for judgment can be found here.