Woolworths Group Ltd v Twentieth Super Pace Nominees Pty Ltd atf the Byrns Smith Unit Trust t/as SCT Logistics [2021] NSWSC 344

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Woolworths Group Ltd v Twentieth Super Pace Nominees Pty Ltd atf the Byrns Smith Unit Trust t/as SCT Logistics [2021] NSWSC 344 Hearing dates: 4 December 2020 Date of orders: 08 April 2021 Decision date: 08 April 2021 Jurisdiction: Equity - Commercial List Before: Henry J Decision: 1. The separate question is answered 'yes'. 2. Unless either party makes an application for a different costs order within 14 days, the plaintiff's costs of the separate question proceedings are to be paid by the first defendant as agreed or assessed. 3. Proceedings listed in the Commercial List for further directions at 9:45 am on 16 April 2021. Catchwords: CONTRACTS – construction – interpretation – whether force majeure clause relieved carrier from liability to indemnify consignor for damage to goods arising from train derailment – force majeure clause not engaged as liability to indemnify not owing to carrier's delay or failure to fulfil obligations owing to the derailment Legislation Cited: Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), r 42.1 Cases Cited: Andar Transport Pty Ltd v Brambles Ltd (2004) 217 CLR 424; [2004] HCA 28 Australian Broadcasting Commission v Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd (1973) 129 CLR 99; [1973] HCA 36 Bofinger & Anor v Kingsway Group Limited & Ors (2009) 239 CLR 269; [2009] HCA 44 Cambridge v Anastasopoulos [2012] NSWCA 405 Donau Pty Ltd v ASC AWD Shipbuilder Pty Ltd (2019) 101 NSWLR 679; [2019] NSWCA 185 Ecosse Property Holdings Pty Ltd v Gee Dee Nominees Pty Ltd (2017) 261 CLR 544; [2017] HCA 12 Electricity Generation Corporation v Woodside Energy Ltd (2014) 251 CLR 640; [2014] HCA 7 Erect Safe Scaffolding (Australia) Pty Ltd v Sutton (2008) 72 NSWLR 1; [2008] NSWCA 114 Hyundai Merchant Marine Co Ltd v Dartbrook Coal (Sales) Pty Ltd (2006) 236 ALR 115; [2006] FCA 1324 Lebeaupin v Richard Crispin & Co [1920] 2 KB 714 Mount Bruce Mining Pty Ltd v Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd (2015) 256 CLR 104; [2015] HCA 37 Rava v Logan Wines Pty Ltd [2007] NSWCA 62 Cherry v Steele-Park (2017) 96 NSWLR 548; [2017] NSWCA 295 Toll (FGCT) Pty Ltd v Alphapharm Pty Ltd (2004) 219 CLR 165; [2004] HCA 52 Tozer Kemsley & Millbourn (A'Asia) Pty Ltd v Collier's Interstate Transport Service Ltd (1956) 94 CLR 384; [1956] HCA 6 Texts Cited: Nil Category: Principal judgment Parties: Woolworths Group Ltd (Plaintiff) Twentieth Super Pace Nominees Pty Ltd as trustee for the Byrns Smith Unit Trust t/as SCT Logistics (First Defendant) Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd (Second Defendant) Representation: Counsel: N J Owens SC (Plaintiff) M G McHugh SC (First and Second Defendants) Solicitors: Mills Oakley (Plaintiff) Colin Biggers & Paisley (First Defendant) File Number(s): 2020/108021 Publication restriction: Nil