Metro Environmental Logistics Pty Ltd v Newcastle Port Corporation [2023] NSWSC 660

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Metro Environmental Logistics Pty Ltd v Newcastle Port Corporation [2023] NSWSC 660 Hearing dates: On the papers Date of orders: 21 June 2023 Decision date: 21 June 2023 Jurisdiction: Equity - Commercial List Before: Rees J Decision: See orders at [49]. Catchwords: COSTS — motions to set aside subpoena — subpoenaed party seeks indemnity costs — plaintiff did not act unreasonably — subpoenaed party declines to produce confidential material and requires indemnity and guarantee from plaintiff – subpoenaed party suggests costs of compliance $550,000 — invites incredulity – importance of subpoenaed parties complying with obligations – subpoenaed party to pay costs of motion. Cases Cited: Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd v Gordian Runoff Ltd (No 2) [2009] NSWCA 12 In the matters of Earth Civil Australia Pty Ltd, RCG CBD Pty Ltd, Bluemine Pty Ltd, Diamondwish Pty Ltd and Rackforce Pty Ltd (all in liq) (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1161 Lucas Industries Ltd v Hewitt (1978) 18 ALR 555; (1978) 45 FLR 174 Category: Procedural rulings Parties: Metro Environmental Logistics Pty Ltd (Plaintiff) Allsands Pty Ltd (Applicant/Subpoenaed Party) Hy-Tec Industries Pty Ltd (Applicant/Subpoenaed Party) Williamtown Sand Syndicate Pty Ltd (Applicant/Subpoenaed Party Representation: Counsel: Mr A McGrath SC / Mr D Tynan (Plaintiff) Mr D Robertson (Applicant) (Allsands) Mr D Farrar, Solicitor (Applicant) (Hy-Tec) Mr D Reynolds (Applicant) (Williamtown)