Barnes V Addy Claims and the Indefeasibility of Torrens Title (Australia‪)‬

[This article considers the proper relationship between Barnes v Addy claims and the indefeasibility of Torrens title. In some recent Australian cases, including Farah Constructions Pry Ltd v Say-Dee Pty Ltd, courts have regarded this question as an important one to be resolved by balancing competing fundamental philosophies. Yet in other recent Australian cases, the question has been all but ignored. This article argues that, although the Torrens system may be underpinned by competing fundamental philosophies, these are no more apparent, nor any more difficult to reconcile, in eases involving Barnes v Addy claims than in cases involving claims of other types. The key to the argument is a correct understanding of the remedies that are available in response to a successful Barnes v Addy claim. This article concentrates on those remedies.] I INTRODUCTION