Telstra Corporation Limited v Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (No. 3) [2007] FCA 1567

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Telstra Corporation Limited v Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (No. 3) [2007] FCA 1567

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application for an order that a prospective respondent make discovery of documents under Order 15A rule 6 of the Federal Court Rules – discovery and inspection distinguished – means of providing discovery – need for evidence from controlling mind of a corporation – interlocutory nature of proceedings – relief discretionary ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – scope of judicial review of administrative action under s 75(v) of the Constitution – standing to bring proceedings to vindicate the public interest Held: application dismissed Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia ss 64, 71, 75(v) and 77 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) s 39B(1) Federal Court Rules Order 15 r11, r13 and r14, Order 15A r2, r6, r10 and r11, Order 17 r1 Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 (Cth) Regulation 9(1)

Alphapharm Pty Limited v Eli Lilly Australia Pty Limited [1996] FCA 391 applied St George Bank Ltd v Rabo Australia Ltd (2004) 211 ALR 147 applied Global Intertrade Pty Ltd v Adelaide Festival Centre Trust [1999] FCA 162 referred to Hall v The Nominal Defendant (1966) 117 CLR 423 cited Malouf v Malouf (1999) 86 FCR 134 cited Cardale v Watkins (1820) V Maddock 18 referred to Hooper v Kirella Pty Ltd; Transfield Pty Ltd v Airservices Australia (1999) 96 FCR 1 referred to Bateman's Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council v The Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund Pty Limited (1998) 194 CLR 247 applied Re Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs; Ex parte Lam (2003) 214 CLR 1 cited MBA Land Holdings Pty Ltd v Gungahlin Development Authority (2000) 206 FLR 120 considered Re Refugee Review Tribunal; ex parte AALA (2000) 204 CLR 82 cited Allied Pastoral Holdings Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (1983) 1 NSWLR 1 cited