BHP BILLITON v HARWOOD [2011] NSWSC 680

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: BHP BILLITON v HARWOOD [2011] NSWSC 680 Hearing dates: 29 June 2011 Decision date: 06 July 2011 Before: HOEBEN J Decision: (1) I order pursuant to s8 of the Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act that proceedings No 74/2011 pending in the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales between BHP Billiton Limited (the plaintiff) as the defendant and Raymond Harwood (the defendant) as the plaintiff ("the DDT proceedings") be removed into the Common Law Division of this Court. (2) I order that pursuant to s5(2)(b)(iii) of the Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act that the DDT proceedings when removed into this Court be transferred to the Supreme Court of South Australia. (3) I reserve the question of costs. Catchwords: CROSS-VESTING APPLICATION - proceedings commenced in Dust Diseases Tribunal of NSW - plaintiff in those proceedings suffering from mesothelioma - application to transfer proceedings to Supreme Court of South Australia - interests of justice - special procedures to facilitate hearing available in both jurisdictions - importance of coincidence of lex loci delicti and lex fori - natural forum is South Australia - proceedings should be transferred. Legislation Cited: Dust Diseases Tribunal Act (NSW) Industrial Code 1967 (SA) Industrial Safety Health and Welfare Act 1972 (SA) Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987 (NSW) Cases Cited: Abel v Amaca Pty Limited [2010] SADC 98 Amaca v Harris [2005] NSWSC 622 BHP Billiton Limited v Schultz & Ors [2004] HCA 61, (2004) 221 CLR 400 BHP Billiton Limited v Utting & Anor [2005] NSWSC 260 Caltex Refineries (Queensland) Pty Limited v Stavar & Ors [2008] NSWSC 223 James Hardie & Co Pty Limited v Barry [2000] NSWCA 353, (2000) 50 NSWLR 357 Spiliada Maritime Corporation v Cansulex Limited (1987) AC 460 Sullivan v Gordon (1999) 47 NSWLR 319 Category: Principal judgment Parties: BHP BILLITON LIMITED - Plaintiff Raymond HARWOOD - Defendant Representation: Counsel: TGR Parker SC/D Anderson - Plaintiff PCB Semmler QC/S Tzouganatos - Defendant Solicitors: Piper Alderman Lawyers - Plaintiff File Number(s): 2011/00063214