Employers Reinsurance Corporation v Ashmere Cove Pty Ltd [2008] FCAFC 28

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Employers Reinsurance Corporation v Ashmere Cove Pty Ltd [2008] FCAFC 28 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW - judicial power of the Commonwealth - 'matter' - whether joinder of insurers as respondents in proceedings between applicants and the insured involves a matter. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE - whether any error in order for joinder of insurers as respondents - claim by applicants against insurer limited to declaratory relief - whether discretion properly exercised. Constitution ss 71, 75, 77 Corporations Act 2000 (Cth) s 471B, 562, 601AG, 1321 Corporations Law ss 601FC(1), 995(2), 1006(1)(a) Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) ss 5, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 Federal Court Rules O6 r 2 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) s 78B Adam P Brown Mail Fashions Pty Ltd v Philip Morris Inc (1981) 148 CLR 170 cited Ashmere Cove Pty Ltd v Beekink (No 2) [2007] FCA 1421 affirmed Aussie Airlines Ltd v Australian Airlines Ltd (1996) 139 ALR 663 cited Beneficial Finance Corporation Ltd v Price Waterhouse (1996) 68 SASR 19 cited CE Health Casualty and General Insurance Ltd v Pyramid Building Society (In Liquidation) (1997) 2 VR 256 cited Crouch v Commissioner for Railways (Queensland) (1985) 159 CLR 22 referred to Décor Corporation Pty Ltd v Dart Industries Inc (1991) 33 FCR 397 cited Fencott v Muller (1983) 152 CLR 570 cited Henderson v Henderson (1943) 3 Hare 100 referred to Hooper v Kirella (1999) 96 FCR 1 referred to Interchase Corporation (in liq) v FAI General Insurance Co Ltd [2000] 2 Qd R 301 discussed JN Taylor Holdings Ltd (In Liquidation) v Bond (1993) 59 SASR 432 discussed Re McBain; Ex parte Catholic Bishops Conference (2002) 209 CLR 372 distinguished Port of Melbourne Authority v Anshum Pty Ltd (1981) 147 CLR 589 applied Re The Will of F B Gilbert (1946) 46 SR (NSW) 318 cited Re Wakim; Ex parte McNally 1999) 198 CLR 511 discussed EMPLOYERS REINSURANCE CORPORATION & ANOR v ASHMERE COVE PTY LTD & ORS WAD 182 OF 2007