McKenzie v Cash Converters International Ltd (No 3) [2019] FCA 10

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

McKenzie v Cash Converters International Ltd (No 3) [2019] FCA 10 File number: NSD 601 of 2016

Judge: LEE J

Date of judgment: 18 January 2019

Catchwords: PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application for disqualification of judge on the basis of apprehended bias – whether hypothetical lay observer might apprehend that a settlement approval application pursuant to s 33V of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) might be determined otherwise than on its merits – disqualification application dismissed PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – observations on appropriate procedure for raising the issue of apprehended bias

Legislation: Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) s 144 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) Pt IVA, Pt VAA s 33V Class Actions Practice Note (GPN-CA)

Cases cited: Attorney-General of New South Wales v Bar-Mordecai [2009] NSWSC 117 Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Richards [2013] FCAFC 89 Barton v Walker [1979] 2 NSWLR 740 Bienstein v Bienstein [2003] HCA 7; (2003) 195 ALR 225 British American Tobacco Services Ltd v Laurie [2011] HCA 2; (2011) 242 CLR 283 Caason Investments Pty Limited v Cao (No 2) [2018] FCA 527 Commonwealth Bank of Australia v Jackson McDonald (a firm) [2014] WASC 301 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy [2000] HCA 63; (2000) 205 CLR 337 Isbester v Knox City Council [2015] HCA 20; (2015) 255 CLR 135 Johnson v Johnson [2000] HCA 48; (2000) 201 CLR 488 Kelly v Willmott Forests Ltd (in liquidation) (No 4) [2016] FCA 323 Laws v Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (1990) 170 CLR 70 Lopez v Star World Enterprises Pty Ltd [1999] FCA 104; (1999) ATPR 41-678 Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs v Jia Legeng [2001] HCA 17; (2001) 205 CLR 507 P Dawson Nominees Pty Ltd v Brookfield Multiplex Ltd (No 4) [2010] FCA 1029 R v Watson; ex parte Armstrong (1976) 136 CLR 248 Re JRL; ex parte CJL (1986) 161 CLR 342 Williams v FAI Home Security Pty Ltd (No 4) [2000] FCA 1925; (2000) 180 ALR 459