SMEC International v C.E.M.S. Engineering [2001] NSWSC 459

(2001) 162 FLR 383 (2001) 38 ACSR 595 Reported Decision : (2001) 19 ACLC 1309 [2001] NSWSC 459 [2001] ACL Rep 120 NSW 87

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : SMEC International v C.E.M.S. Engineering [2001] NSWSC 459 CURRENT JURISDICTION: Equity FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 1761/01 HEARING DATE(S) : 17 April 2001 JUDGMENT DATE : 5 June 2001

PARTIES : SMEC International Pty Ltd (P) C.E.M.S. Engineering Inc (D) JUDGMENT OF : Austin J

COUNSEL : P M Wood (P) M J Cohen (D) SOLICITORS : Blake Dawson Waldron (P) Gadens (D) CATCHWORDS : CORPORATIONS - companies - winding up - statutory demand - genuine dispute as to existence of debt - whether demand can be expressed in foreign currency - effect of arbitration clause - requirements for contents of affidavits supporting application to set aside statutory demand Corporations Law ss 459E, 459G, 459H, 459J LEGISLATION CITED : Corporations Regulations 1.1.03 and 1.1.04 and Form 509H Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) s 4(2A), (2B) and (2C) International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) s 7(2) British Aerospace Plc v Dee Howard Co [1993] 1 Lloyd's Rep 368 CSR Ltd v Cigna Insurance Australia Ltd (1997) 189 CLR 345 Daewoo Australia Pty Ltd v Suncorp-Metway Ltd (2000) 33 ACSR 481 David Grant & Co Pty Ltd v Westpac Banking Corporation (1995) 184 CLR 265 Dromore Produce Pty Ltd v W Paton (Fertilisers) Pty Ltd (1997 23 ACSR 230 Eyota Pty Ltd v Hanave Pty Ltd (1994) 12 ACSR 785 FAI General Insurance Co Ltd v Ocean Marine Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (1996) 41 NSWLR 117 Flakt Ltd v Wilkins and Davies Construction Co Ltd [1979] 2 NSWLR 243 Goldspar Australia Pty Ltd v KWA Design Group Pty Ltd (1999) 17 ACLC 456 Graywinter Properties Pty Ltd v Gas & Fuel Corporation Superannuation Fund (1996) 70 FCR 452 Haiki Shipping Corporation v Sopex Oils Ltd [1998] 1 Lloyd's Rep 462 CASES CITED : Mibor Investments Pty Ltd v Commonwealth Bank of Australia (1999) 11 ACSR 326 Re Ikin, ex parte Lambourghini Tractors of Australia Pty Ltd (1985) 4 FCR 582 Re Louisbridge Pty Ltd [1994] 2 Qd R 144 Re Morris Catering (Aust) Pty Ltd (1993) 11 ACSR 601 Reinsurance Australia Corporation Ltd v Odyssey Re (Bermuda) Ltd (2000) 36 ACSR 348 Spencer Constructions Pty Ltd v G & M Aldridge Pty Ltd (1997) 76 FCR 452 The Angelic Grace [1994] 1 Lloyd's Rep 168 Vee H Aviation Pty Ltd v BP Australia Ltd (1995) 58 FCR 73 Vehicle Wash Systems Pty Limited v Mark VII Equipment Inc (1997) 80 FCR 571 Zanjill Pty Ltd v Sydney Autolac Centre Pty Ltd (Federal Court of Australia, Hill J, unreported, 5 December 1997) Zenaust Imports Pty Ltd v Alembic Chemical Works Co Ltd (1998) 28 ACSR 465 Zhen Yun (Australia) Pty Ltd v State Bank of South Australia (1994) 13 ACSR 801 DECISION : Statutory demand set aside