Merit Protection Commissioner v Nonnenmacher [1999] FCA 274

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Merit Protection Commissioner v Nonnenmacher [1999] FCA 274 Practice and procedure – late joinder of a respondent to proceedings – obligation of an applicant to identify and join appropriate respondents – discussion of meaning of "contradictor". Costs – whether respondent should bear costs for late joinder of a party – whether order for costs was interlocutory or final – whether an application for leave to appeal was necessary.

Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth) – s 11, s 12. Federal Court Rules – O 4, O 6 r 8, O 62 r 14. Forster v Jododex Aust Pty Ltd (1972) 127 CLR 421 – cons. Russian Commercial and Industrial Bank v British Bank for Foreign Trade Ltd [1921] 2 AC 438 – cons. News Ltd v Australian Rugby Football League Ltd (1996) 139 ALR 193 – cons. Pegang Mining Co Ltd v Choong Sam (1969) 2 MLJ 52 – cons. R v Australian Broadcasting Tribunal; Ex Parte: Hardiman (1980) 144 CLR 13 – appl. Hall v Nominal Defendant (1966) 117 CLR 423 – cited Décor Corporation Pty Ltd v Dart Industries Inc (1991) 33 FCR 397 – cited Australian Securities Commission v Somerville (1994) 51 FCR 38 – cited Jarrett, Elliott and Camm v Seymour (1993) 46 FCR 557 – cited

MERIT PROTECTION COMMISSIONER, ANNA LE THANH, ARTHUR NORRIS AND THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE v GARRY JAMES NONNENMACHER N 104 OF 1999 JUDGES: BEAUMONT, LEE & DOWSETT JJ. DATE: 23 MARCH 1999 PLACE: SYDNEY

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY N 104 OF 1999

ON APPEAL FROM A SINGLE JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

BETWEEN: MERIT PROTECTION COMMISSIONER

First Appellant

ANNA LE THANH

Second Appellant

ARTHUR NORRIS

Third Appellant

THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE