Metrocall Inc v Electronic Tracking Systems Pty Ltd [2000] NSWIRComm 136

Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales in Court Session

CITATION : Metrocall Inc v Electronic Tracking Systems Pty Ltd [2000] NSWIRComm 136 APPELLANT: Metrocall Inc (successor by merger to Pronet Inc)

PARTIES : RESPONDENT: Electronic Tracking Systems Pty Limited

INTERVENER: Attorney General for New South Wales FILE NUMBER: IRC 4433 of 1999 CORAM: Wright J President; Walton J Vice-President; Hungerford J Unfair contract - motion to stay proceedings and refer to arbitration - licence agreement containing arbitration clause - clause provided disputes be arbitrated in Texas - whether Commission required to stay proceedings by the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) - whether proceedings under s106 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) are a matter "arising out of or relating to" the agreement or the breach thereof - whether proceedings under s106 constitute a "matter" - whether the substance of proceedings under s106 are "capable of settlement by arbitration" - whether the powers conferred by s106 may be exercised by a private arbitrator. CATCHWORDS : Constitutional law - inconsistency of laws - whether s106 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 is inconsistent with s7 of the Interntional Arbitration Act - whether the International Arbitration Act is supplementary to State laws. Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 The Constitution s109 LEGISLATION CITED : Contracts Review Act 1987 (NSW) Industrial Relations Act 1996 s3 s105 s106 Part 9 of Chapter 2 s146(2) s152 s169(1) International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) s3 s7 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) s52 s87 Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd v Transfield Pty Ltd [1998] VSC 103 Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ind v Bausch & Lomb Inc (1985) 7 ATPR 40-636 Beahan v Bush Boake Allen Australia Limited (1999) 93 IR 1 Blackley v Devondale Cream (Vic) Pty Ltd (1968) 117 CLR 253 BP Australia Ltd v Amann Aviation Pty Ltd (1996) 62 FCR 451 Carter v Egg and Egg Pulp Marketing Board (Vic) (1942) 66 CLR 557 Colvin v Bradley Brothers Pty Ltd (1943) 68 CLR 151 Conagra International Fertiliser Co v Lief Investments Pty Ltd (1997) 141 FLR 124 Davies v General Transport Development Pty Ltd [1967] AR (NSW) 371 Ethiopian Oilseeds v Rio del Mar Foods Inc [1990] 1 Lloyd's Rep 86 FAI General Insurance Co Ltd v Ocean Marine Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (1997) 41 NSWLR 117 Ferris v Plaister (1994) 34 NSWLR 474 Flakt Australia Ltd v Wilkins & Davies Construction Co. Ltd [1979] 2 NSWLR 243 Flexible Manufacturing Systems Pty Ltd v Super Products Corporation 86 F 3d 96 (1996) Francis Travel Marketing Pty Ltd v Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd (1996) 39 NSWLR 160 Government Insurance Office of New South Wales v Atkinson-Leighton Joint Venture (1981) 146 CLR 206 Hi-Fert Pty Ltd v Kiukiang Maritime Carriers Inc (No.5) (1998) 90 FCR 1 CASES CITED : Hooper v Kirella (1999) 167 ALR 358 IBM Australia Ltd v National Distribution Services Ltd (1991) 22 NSWLR 466 Paper Products Pty Ltd v Tomlinsons (Rochdale) Ltd (1993) 43 FCR 439 Maldoc Pty Ltd v Bollard (1997) 90 IR 29 Minister for Youth and Community Services v HREA NSW Branch (1987) 10 NSWLR 543 Mitsubishi Motors v Soler Chrysler-Plymouth, 473 US 614 (1985) Nutshack Franchise Pty Ltd v Smith (1999) 90 IR 355 QH Tours Ltd v Ship Design & Management (Aust) Pty Ltd (1991) 33 FCR 227 R v Brisbane Licensing Court , Ex Parte Daniell (1920) 28 CLR 23 Re Dingjan, Ex parte Wagner (1995) 183 CLR 323 Recyclers of Australia Pty Ltd v Hettinga Equipment Inc [2000] FCA 547 Stevenson v Barham (1976) 136 CLR 190 Tanning Research Laboratories Inc v O'Brien (1990) 169 CLR 332 Telstra Corporation Limited v Worthing (1999) 197 CLR 61 Victoria v The Commonwealth (1937) 58 CLR 618 Viskauskas v Niland (1983) 153 CLR 280 Winron Pty Ltd v Shell Company of Australia Ltd (1996) 66 IR 64 Younan-Sedrak v State of New South Wales (Department of Public Works and Services) (Unreported, Hungerford J, 19 August 1999) HEARING DATES: 10/28/1999 DATE OF JUDGMENT: 08/31/2000