Rafaraci v Pearce & Heers [2003] FCA 1307

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Rafaraci v Pearce & Heers [2003] FCA 1307 BANKRUPTCY - Creditor's Petition - Bankruptcy Notice - application under s 153B of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) to have Sequestration Order annulled - improper service of District Court Statement of Claim giving rise to judgment debt - improper service of Bankruptcy Notice and Creditor's Petition - s 153B of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) not limited to circumstances where there has been an abuse of process - broad discretion - Sequestration Order set aside due to non-receipt of originating process.

Bankruptcy Act 1996 (Cth) s 153B Bankruptcy Rules Federal Court Rules Willshire-Smith Re; Ex parte Randle & Taylor Services Pty Ltd (1994) 48 FCR 371 at 374-5 followed Craig v Kanssen [1943] KB 256 followed Re Marsh; Ex parte Marsh v Paramount Leisure Products Pty Ltd (1991) 32 FCR 482 followed Hill v BP Australia Ltd [1998] FCA 1303 followed William v Spautz (1992) 174 CLR 509 followed Zodiac Investment Pty Ltd v Brelsford (A Bankrupt) [1999] FCA 1582 followed Clyne v Deputy Commissioner of Taxation (1984) 154 CLR 589 followed Edelsten v Deputy Commissioner of Taxation (NSW) (1989) 86 ALR 257 followed Henrich v Commonwealth Bank of Australia [2003] FCA 539 followed Cottrell v Wilcox [2002] FCA 1115 followed VINCENZO RAFARACI v PEARCE & HEERS, INSOLVENCY ACCOUNTANTS AND SHOP-A-DOCKET PTY LTD N 7310 OF 2003 TAMBERLIN J SYDNEY 14 NOVEMBER 2003

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY N 7310 OF 2003

IN THE MATTER OF VINCENZO RAFARACI

BETWEEN: VINCENZO RAFARACI

APPLICANT

AND: PEARCE & HEERS

INSOLVENCY ACCOUNTANTS

FIRST RESPONDENT

SHOP-A-DOCKET PTY LTD

SECOND RESPONDENT

JUDGE: TAMBERLIN J

DATE OF ORDER: 14 NOVEMBER 2003