Lehrmann v Network Ten Pty Limited (Limitation Extension) [2023] FCA 385

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Lehrmann v Network Ten Pty Limited (Limitation Extension) [2023] FCA 385 File numbers: NSD 103 of 2023 NSD 104 of 2023

Judgment of: LEE J

Date of judgment: 28 April 2023

Catchwords: DEFAMATION – application for extension of limitation period to commence action in defamation – whether not reasonable in circumstances for applicant to have commenced actions in defamation within one year of impugned publications – consideration of relevant principles pursuant to statutory test – where applicant charged with a serious criminal offence – where applicant aware of impugned publications before being charged with serious criminal offence – where applicant relied upon legal advice to defer civil proceedings until the conclusion of any criminal investigation and processes – extension allowed – discretion exercised to extend time up until commencement of proceedings

Legislation: Civil Dispute Resolution Act 2011 (Cth) ss 3, 6, 11 Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) Pts 3.11, 4.6, ss 59, 75, 135(a), 136(a), 144, 166(c), 166(d), 166(f), 167, 167(a), 169(1)(a), 169(1)(b), 169(1)(c), 169(3) Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) Pt VB, ss 37M, 40 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth) s 79 Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) ss 56, 57, 58 Civil Procedure Act 2010 (Vic) ss 7, 8 Court Procedures Act 2004 (ACT) s 5A Court Procedures Rules 2006 (ACT) r 21 (repealed) Defamation Act 2005 (NSW) s 14(2), Sch 4, cl 7 Defamation Act 1974 (NSW) s 3(d) Limitation Act 1969 (NSW) ss 14C, 56A, 56A(2), 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, Sch 5, cl 11(3) Supreme Court Civil Rules 2006 (SA) r 3 (repealed) Supreme Court (General Civil Procedure) Rules 2005 (Vic) r 1.14 (repealed) Supreme Court Rules 1987 (NT) r 1.10 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (Qld) r 5 Uniform Civil Rules 2020 (SA) r 3.1