Global Risk Alliance Group Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Harmer & Ors (No 2) [2024] NSWSC 234

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Global Risk Alliance Group Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Harmer & Ors (No 2) [2024] NSWSC 234 Hearing dates: On the papers; written submissions dated 1 March 2024 Date of orders: 11 March 2024 Decision date: 11 March 2024 Jurisdiction: Equity Before: Nixon J Decision: See [76] Catchwords: DAMAGES – Nominal damages – Whether interest payable on nominal damages CORPORATIONS – Contravention of ss 181 and 182 of Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) established – Whether declaration should be made COSTS – Claims against Fifth Defendant dismissed – Whether a Sanderson or Bullock order should be made against the First and Third Defendants COSTS – Application of UCPR r 42.34 – Whether there should be no order as to costs having regard to outcome of Plaintiffs' various claims – Whether costs should be apportioned between such claims COSTS – Offers of Compromise and Calderbank Offers – Whether costs incurred after the date of any such offer are payable on an indemnity basis Legislation Cited: Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW), s 100 Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), ss 55AA, 181, 182, 1317E, 1317H District Court Act 1973 (NSW), s 44 Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 75 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) r 20.26, 42.34 Cases Cited: Barclays Australia (Finance) v Mike Gaffikin Marine (1996) 21 ACSR 235 Bostik Australia Pty Ltd v Liddiard (No 2) [2009] NSWCA 304 Commonwealth of Australia v Gretton [2008] NSWCA 117 Council of the City of Liverpool v Turano (No 2) [2009] NSWCA 176 Edenden v Bignell [2007] NSWSC 1122 E Group Security Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue (No 2) [2021] NSWSC 1296 Global Risk Alliance Group Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Harmer & Ors [2024] NSWSC 79 Gould v Vaggelas (1985) 157 CLR 215; [1985] HCA 75 Haines v Bendall (1991) 172 CLR 60; [1991] HCA 15 Insurance Australia Ltd trading as CGU Insurance v MOS Beverages Pty Ltd (No 2) [2021] FCAFC 192 Jones v Bradley (No 2) [2003] NSWCA 258 Lackerstein v Jones (No 2) (1988) 93 FLR 442; [1998] NTSC 72 Macks v Viscariello [2017] SASCFC 172; 130 SASR 1 Miwa Pty Ltd v Siantan Properties Pte Ltd (No 2) [2011] NSWCA 344 Murray v Commonwealth of Australia (1986) 5 NSWLR 83 One.Tel Ltd (in liq) v Rich [2005] NSWSC 266 Owners of Steamship "Mediana" v Owners, Master and Crew of Lightship "Comet" [1900] AC 113 Perigo v Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer (No 3) [2013] NSWSC 6 Primacy Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd v Kilborn [2007] NSWSC 158 Quintano v B W Rose Pty Ltd (Costs) [2009] NSWSC 626 Romani v New South Wales [2023] NSWSC 49 Rushcutters Bay Smash Repairs Pty Ltd v H McKenna Netmakers Pty Ltd [2003] NSWSC 670 Ryan v South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club Ltd [1975] 2 NSWLR 660 Scripture Union v Prime Industrial Pty Ltd [2006] NSWSC 38 SMEC Testing Services Pty Ltd v Campbelltown City Council [2000] NSWCA 323 Spedding v New South Wales [2023] NSWSC 34 State of New South Wales v Stevens [2012] NSWCA 415 Stevedoring Industry Finance Committee v Gibson [2000] NSWCA 179 Thiess Watkins White Constructions Ltd (in liq) v Witan Nominees (1985) Pty Ltd [1992] 2 Qd R 452 Thompson v Faraonio (1979) 54 ALJR 231 Tonna v Mendonca (No 2) [2022] NSWSC 306 Trade Practices Commission v Nicholas Enterprises Pty Ltd (No 3) (1979) 42 FLR 213 Category: Costs Parties: Global Risk Alliance Group Services Pty Ltd (First Plaintiff) Aerosafe Risk Management Pty Ltd (Second Plaintiff) Andrew John Harmer (First Defendant) Craig John Binks (Second Defendant) Scott William Dillon (Third Defendant) SME Gateway Pty Ltd (Fifth Defendant) Representation: Counsel: I Neil SC and J Gatland (First and Second Plaintiffs) S McIntosh (First Defendant) D Barnett and B Haines (Third Defendant) N Bender SC and R Jameson (Fifth Defendant)