Campbell v Metway Leasing Ltd [2002] FCAFC 394

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Campbell v Metway Leasing Ltd [2002] FCAFC 394 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW – constitutional validity of subs 60(2), (3) and (4) Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) – whether Commonwealth legislation purporting to effect an automatic stay and abandonment of proceedings in a state Supreme Court effects an impermissible interference with the functions of the Supreme Court by removing from that court the power to control its own process and procedures – whether subs 60(2), (3) and (4) infringe the implied immunity of state instrumentalities by attempting to interfere with a function of government and impair the state courts' capacity to function BANKRUPTCY – whether on bankruptcy appellants had standing to prosecute appeals from a money judgment against them

Constitution,subs 51(xiii), (xvii) Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth), subs 60(2), (3) and (4), s 149 Contracts Review Act 1984 (NSW) Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth), s 78B Bankruptcy Legislation Amendment Act 1996 (Cth) International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth), s 7 Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Cth), s 5 Insolvency Act 1841 (NSW), s 33 Bankruptcy Act 1887 (NSW), s 10(6) Bankruptcy Act 1898 (NSW), s 10(7) Insolvency Statute 1865 (Vic), s 39

Cummings v Claremont Petroleum NL (1995-1996) 185 CLR 124, followed Cox v Journeaux and Ors [No 2] (1935) 52 CLR 713, referred to Melbourne Corporation v The Commonwealth (1947) 74 CLR 31, considered Koowarta v Bjelke-Petersen (1982) 153 CLR 168, referred to Hi-Fert Pty Ltd v Kiukiang Maritime Carriers Inc (No 5) 1998 90 FCR 1, cited Re Australian Education; Ex parte Victoria (1994-1995) 184 CLR 188, cited Engineers' Case (Amalgamated Society of Engineers v Adelaide Steamship Co. Ltd) (1920) 28 CLR 129, cited Federal Commissioner of Taxation v Official Liquidator of EO Farley Ltd (1940) 63 CLR 278, referred to Le Mesurier v Connor (1929) 42 CLR 481, referred to The Queen v Davison (1954) 90 CLR 353, referred to Storey v Lane (1981) 147 CLR 549, cited Grain Pool of Western Australia v The Commonwealth (2000) 202 CLR 479, cited Heath v Tang (1993) 1 WLR 1421, cited