In the outskirts of Melbourne, the Kerrigan family lives in the Coolaroo suburbs, a working-class community that is peaceful. Their peaceful existence is however threatened by a necessity of expansion, when the local airport is in dire need of more land to expand. The Kerrigan family home sits on a toxic landfill, with the runway right next to it.
The land they live on can be acquired at the behest of the developer based on a compulsory acquisition law. Darryl, the family patriarch, is either unaware or ignorant to the fact. In his mind, this home is the best place they could possibly live. Therefore, Darryl lives his life oblivious to the dire situation that faces his family. Throughout the years, the family has fed into their patriarch's perception of their exceptionally luxurious life.
When the developers begin scouting the area, Darryl welcomes them to his home. Unaware of their intention, he goes on to showcase his family home to them, in the hopes of receiving a worthy appraisal. Although he didn't intend to sell his home, he later receives a compulsory acquisition notice, so does everyone living in the proposed area of expansion.
Darryl is not convinced and is intent on living in his home. He also ignorantly believes that he cannot be forcefully evicted from the property. The Kerrigan family stays put, despite being bullied and bribed into evacuating the land. They decide to hire a lawyer to fight this case in court. However, the incompetence of their lawyer costs them all of their leverage. The court orders the Kerrigan family to move out within two weeks.
All hope is not lost as a retired Counsel of the Queen takes an interest in their case. Darryl met him briefly in court. Lawrence, the retired Counsel, argues in court that the Kerrigan's should be compensated fairly for their home under the Australian constitution. The judge rules in their favor and the case becomes notable in the field of land and property laws in Australia.
