In the matter of Gunyahweh Pty Limited [2023] NSWSC 1133

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: In the matter of Gunyahweh Pty Limited [2023] NSWSC 1133 Hearing dates: 22-23 August; 29–31 August, 1, 6–7 September 2023 Date of orders: 19 September 2023 Decision date: 19 September 2023 Jurisdiction: Equity - Corporations List Before: Black J Decision: Proceedings dismissed with parties to be heard as to costs. Catchwords: Oppression — Members' rights and remedies — Whether conduct is oppressive to, unfairly prejudicial to, or unfairly discriminatory — Where Cross-Claimant made minimal financial contribution to company – where Cross-Claimant no longer occupies land owned by company. Oppression — Members' rights and remedies — Exercise of discretion as to remedy — Where compulsory buyout orders inappropriate in the circumstances — Whether to order company be wound up in oppression — Where relationship between the parties has broken down. Legislation Cited: - Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW), ss 23C, 54A - Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), Ch 6D, Pt 2J.1, ss 53, 113, 232, 233, 246B, 246C, 256A, 256B, 256C, 461, 467, 472, 708. 1324 - Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), s 135 Cases Cited: - Ample Source International Ltd v Bonython Metals Group Pty Ltd (No 6) (2011) 285 ALR 488; [2011] FCA 1484 - Armagas Ltd v Mundogas SA [1985] 1 Ll R 1 - Byrne v AJ Byrne Pty Ltd [2012] NSWSC 667 - Campbell v Backoffice Investments Pty Ltd (2009) 238 CLR 304; (2009) 257 ALR 610; [2009] HCA 25 - ET-China.com International Holdings Ltd v Cheung (2021) 388 ALR 128; [2021] NSWCA 24 - Fexuto Pty Ltd v Bosnjak Holdings Pty Ltd (2001) 37 ACSR 672; [2001] NSWCA 97 - Morgan v 45 Flers Avenue Pty Ltd (1986) 10 ACLR 692 - Munstermann v Rayward [2017] NSWSC 133 - Nassar v Innovative Precasters Group Pty Ltd (2009) 71 ACSR 343; [2009] NSWSC 342 - OXS Pty Ltd v Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Minister for Planning and Environment [2014] NSWSC 1174 - Re Amazon Pest Control Pty Limited [2012] NSWSC 1568 - Re Bicher & Son Pty Ltd (2020) 147 ACSR 108; [2020] NSWSC 711 - Re Colorado Products Pty Ltd (in prov liq) (2014) 101 ACSR 233; [2014] NSWSC 789 - Re Crow Inn Pty Ltd (No 2) [2020] NSWSC 1749 - Re G Jeffrey (Mens Store) Pty Ltd (1984) 9 ACLR 193 - Re ICB Medical Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 1315 - Re Pure Nature Sydney Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 914 - Re QB Foods Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 1227 - Re SRD Property Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 441 - Ruut v Head (1996) 20 ACSR 160 - Snell v Glatis (No 2) [2020] NSWCA 166 - Tomanovic v Argyle HQ Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 152 - Tomanovic v Global Mortgage Equity Corporation Pty Ltd (2011) 288 ALR 310; (2011) 84 ACSR 121; [2011] NSWCA 104 - Tomanovic v One Australia Pty Ltd (2015) 104 ACSR 596; [2015] NSWCA 11 - Watson v Foxman (1995) 49 NSWLR 315 - Varma v Varma [2010] NSWSC 786 - Wain v Drapac (No 2) [2013] VSC 381 - Wayde v New South Wales Rugby League Ltd (1985) 180 CLR 459; [1985] HCA 68 - Zong v Lin [2022] NSWCA 136 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Benjamin Smith (Defendant/Cross-Claimant) Gunyahweh Pty Ltd (Plaintiff/First Cross-Defendant) Anthony Grumley (Second Cross-Defendant) Daniel Smith (Third Cross-Defendant) Suzanne McKenna (Fourth Cross-Defendant) Elizabeth Austen (Fifth Cross-Defendant) Representation: Counsel: R Alkadamani (Cross-Claimant) S Epstein SC (First to Fifth Cross-Defendants)