In the Matter of Moage Ltd ( in liq) Sheahan, John v Pitterino, Robert & Ors [1997] FCA 719

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA CORPORATIONS - examination summons - application for leave to inspect liquidator's affidavit in support of an examination summons under s 596C(2) - considerations relevant to exercise of discretion - when leave will be granted - meaning of "arguable" case - whether a company who is the subject of an order under s 579(9) can inspect the liquidator's affidavit - policy of maintaining secretary of liquidator's affidavit. CORPORATIONS - examination summons - champerty and maintenance - whether funding of liquidator's action by third party constitutes an abuse of process - whether subpoena or notice to produce can be used to obtain confidential documents relating to alleged champertous arrangement. CORPORATIONS - examination summons - notice to produce and subpoenas - notice to produce can not be used to obtain liquidator's affidavit which is otherwise protected by s 596C(2) - need for application under s 596C(2). Corporations Law ss 596A, 596B, 596C and 579(9) Re Excel Finance Corporation Limited (Receiver and Manager Appointed); Worthley v England (1994) 52 FCR 69, considered and applied Simionato v Macks (1996) 19 ACSR 34, considered and applied Re Hugh J Roberts Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [1970] 2 NSWR 582, considered and applied Hong Kong Bank v Murphy (1992) 28 NSWLR 512, applied British and Commonwealth Holdings Plc (Nos 1 & 2) [1992] 1 Ch 342, considered and applied Re South Pacific Energy Trading Pty Ltd (1996) 40 NSWLR 264, applied Re G A Listing & Maintenance Pty Ltd (1994) 15 ACSR 308, applied Magic Menu Systems Pty Ltd v AFA Facilitation Ltd (1997) 142 ALR 198, considered Roux v Australian Broadcasting Commission [1992] 2 VR 577, applied Re Movitor Pty Ltd, ex parte Sims (1996) 136 ALR 643, considered Re Tosich Construction Pty Ltd, ex parte Wily (1997) 143 ALR 18, considered IN THE MATTER OF MOAGE LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) (ACN 004 270 848) JOHN SHEAHAN as Liquidator of Moage Limited (In Liquidation) (ACN 004 270 848) v ROBERT PITTERINO, JOHN STUMBLES, JAMIE HUTCHINSON, SIDNEY LESLIE GRIFF, RODNEY ADLER, RODNEY HALSTEAD, JOHN GLENN CRANE, JOHN AUSTIN, RICHARD BERRY, DIANNE LESLIE JAGELMAN, JOSEPH GRANT JAGELMAN and JOHN LANDERER SG 3011 of 1997 MANSFIELD J ADELAIDE 1 AUGUST 1997