Hunter Valley Community Investments Pty Ltd v Bell [2001] FCA 201

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA Hunter Valley Community Investments Pty Ltd v Bell [2001] FCA 201 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – representative proceedings – pleadings – three representative applicants bringing claims against four respondents – whether facts pleaded establish that each member of represented classes has a claim against all respondents – whether pleadings adequate to enable respondents to understand the case against them – whether claims give rise to a substantial common issue of law or fact – whether claims founded in same, similar or related circumstances – pleadings struck out – whether leave to replead should be granted. CORPORATIONS – deregistration – company deregistered after commencing proceedings – whether company should be given leave to replead prior to reinstatement. COURTS AND JUDGES – whether foreshadowing of constitutional issue sufficient to enliven federal jurisdiction. Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), ss 33C, 33H, 33N. Corporations Law, s 601AH. Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), ss 51A, 52, 75B, 82. Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth), s 39B(1A). Supreme Court Act 1986 (Vic), Part IVA. Federal Court Rules, O 11. Philip Morris (Australia) Ltd v Nixon (2000) 170 ALR 487, applied Cummings v Lewis (1993) 41 FCR 559, cited. Re Morton; Ex parte Mitchell Products Pty Ltd (1996) 21 ACSR 497, cited. Sweeney & Vandeleur Pty Ltd v BNY Australia Pty Ltd (1993) 11 ACSR 356, cited. Wardley Australia Ltd v Western Australia (1992) 175 CLR 514, cited. Femcare Ltd v Bright (2000) 100 FCR 331, cited. King v GIO Australia Holdings Ltd (2000) 100 FCR 209, discussed King v GIO Australia Holdings Ltd [2000] FCA 1543, cited. Wong v Silkfield Pty Ltd (1999) 199 CLR 255, cited. Johnson Tiles Ltd v Esso Australia Ltd (1999) ATPR 41-679, cited. Western Australia v Wardley Australia Ltd (1991) 30 FCR 245, cited. Zhang v Minister for Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs (1993) 45 FCR 384, cited. Australian Solar Mesh Sales Pty Ltd v Anderson (2000) 101 FCR 1, cited. Re Wakim; Ex parte McNally (1999) 198 CLR 511, cited. Australian Law Reform Commission, Grouped Proceedings in the Federal Court (ALRC 46). HUNTER VALLEY COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED & ORS v JOHN WILLIAM BELL & ORS N 437 of 2000 SACKVILLE J SYDNEY 9 MARCH 2001