Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (No 2) [2017] FCA 393

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v Cornerstone Investment Aust Pty Ltd (No 2) [2017] FCA 393 File number: NSD 1610 of 2015

Judge: GLEESON J

Date of judgment: 18 April 2017

Catchwords: DISCOVERY – discovery of documents – relevance of requested discovery – whether categories unclear – whether requested discovery oppressive – whether requested discovery is a "fishing expedition" – application for interrogatories in lieu of discovery – whether documents requested relevant – whether interrogatories oppressive – whether appropriate to proceed by way of interrogatories as opposed to discovery – application granted in part

Legislation: Australian Consumer Law Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) Federal Court Rules 2011

Cases cited: Alliance Craton Explorer Pty Ltd v Quasar Resources Pty Ltd (No 4) [2013] FCA 1044 Aspar Autobarn Co-Operative Society v Dovala Pty Ltd (1987) 16 FCR 284 Austal Ships Pty Ltd v Incat Australia Pty Ltd (No 3) [2010] FCA 795; (2010) 272 ALR 177 Bailey v Beagle Management Pty Ltd [2001] FCA 60; (2001) 105 FCR 136 Bertran v Vanstone [1999] FCA 1753 Caltex Refining Co Pty Ltd v AMWU [1990] FCA 483 Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union v Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Ltd [2014] FCA 462 Dorajay Pty Limited v Aristocrat Leisure Limited [2005] FCA 588 Gloucester Shire Council v Fitch Ratings, Inc [2016] FCA 587 Grant v Downs [1976] HCA 63; (1976) 135 CLR 674 Trade Practices Commission v CC (New South Wales) Pty Ltd (No 4) [1995] FCA 556; (1995) 58 FCR 426 WA Pines Pty Ltd v Bannerman [1980] FCA 79; (1980) 30 ALR 559; (1980) 41 FLR 175