Wilkinson v Network Ten Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 1438

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Wilkinson v Network Ten Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 1438 Hearing dates: 24 November 2023 Date of orders: 24 November 2023 Decision date: 24 November 2023 Jurisdiction: Equity - Commercial List Before: Rees J Decision: Proceedings transferred Catchwords: CROSS-VESTING – defamation proceedings in Federal Court against TV network and employed journalist – journalist retains separate legal representation – employer protests — employee commences proceedings in this Court seeking indemnity from employer — Federal Court judge voices concern about proceedings in this Court — application to transfer – principles at [32]-[39] — interests of justice — comity — overlap of issues creates possibility of conflicting judgments and unnecessary duplication of costs — proceedings transferred. Legislation Cited: Employees Liability Act 1991 (NSW) s 3 Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987 (NSW) s 5(1)(b)(ii)(C) Cases Cited: Australian Consolidated Investments Ltd v Westpac Banking Corporation (1991) 5 ACSR 233 BHP Billiton Ltd v Schultz (2004) 221 CLR 400; [2004] HCA 61 Santos Ltd v Heix Energy Services Pty Ltd [2009] VSC 282 Scandrett v Carnley (Unreported, NSWSC, 28 April 1992) The Abidin Daver [1984] 1 AC 398 Valceski v Valceski [2007] NSWSC 36; (2007) 70 NSWLR 36 Wileypark Pty Ltd v AMP Ltd [2018] FCAFC 143 Yara Pilbara Fertilisers Pty Ltd v Oswal (No 8) [2015] FCA 49 Category: Procedural rulings Parties: Lisa Wilkinson (Plaintiff/Respondent) Network Ten Pty Ltd (Defendant/Applicant) Representation: Counsel: Mr M Elliott SC / Mr D Klineberg (Plaintiff) Mr I Pike SC / Ms Z Graus (Defendant)