Ballard v Brookfield Multiplex Ltd [2010] NSWSC 1460

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Ballard v Brookfield Multiplex Ltd [2010] NSWSC 1460

HEARING DATE(S) : 16 - 19 November 2010

JUDGMENT DATE : 21 December 2010

JUDGMENT OF : Smart AJ

DECISION : Report of 23 December 1996 of Mr Ian McIntyre of EPM not admitted as to previous representations - see section 135 of Evidence Act 1995.

CATCHWORDS : VOIR DIRE - inability of defendants to cross examine adequately due to 14 year lapse of time and lack of recollection - McIntyre reliant for facts on B Young, co-director of Stoneglow Pty Ltd (not being called) and P Hammond (similarly affected by lapse of time and lack of recollection) - admission of report of 23 December 1996 containing previous representations unfairly prejudicial - non-compliance with UCPR 31.17 - 29 - provisions apply to any expert report, in substance, sought to be relied on - not appropriate to otherwise order under UCPR 31.23(3) or to give leave under UCPR 31.28(3) where s 135 applied to report and previous representations

LEGISLATION CITED : Evidence Act 1995 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules

CATEGORY : Procedural and other rulings

Agricultural and Rural Finance Ltd v Atkinson [2010] NSWSC 635 ASIC v Rich [2005] 53 ACSR 752 Hansen Beverage Co v Bickfords Australia Pty Ltd [2008] FCA 406 Investmentsource v Knox Street Apartments [2007] NSWSC 1128 Makita v Sprowles (2001) 52 NSWLR 705 CASES CITED : Re Enviro Energy Australia Pty Ltd (in liq) [2010] NSWSC 1217 Ringrow Pty Ltd v BP Australia Ltd (2003) 130 FCR 569 Roach v Page (No 15) [2003] NSWSC 939 Shoshana Pty Ltd v 10th Cantanae Pty Ltd (1987) 18 FCR 285 State of NSW v Mannall [2005] NSWCA 367 Supetina Pty Ltd v Lombok Pty Ltd (1984) 5 FCR 439 Waterwell Shipping Inc v HIH Casualty and General Insurance Ltd, unreported, Supreme Court, NSW, Giles CJ Com D, 8 September 1997