Royal Guardian Mortgage Managers v Australian Mortgage Securities [2011] NSWSC 967

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Royal Guardian Mortgage Managers v Australian Mortgage Securities [2011] NSWSC 967 Hearing dates: 16/08/2011 Decision date: 17 August 2011 Jurisdiction: Equity Division - Commercial List Before: McDougall J Decision: Application, for variation of express and implied obligations of confidentiality, dismissed. Catchwords: PRACTICE - application to modify confidentiality undertakings - where grant of application would enable a party to use a confidential document produced under subpoena in present proceedings for preparation of fresh proceedings against a non-party - whether 'special circumstances' exist such that the undertaking ought to be varied - breadth of 'special circumstances' test. Legislation Cited: Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth) Cases Cited: Esso Australia Resources Limited v Plowman (1995) 183 CLR 10 Griffiths & Beerens Pty Ltd v Duggan (No.2) [2008] VSC 230 Harman v Home Department State Secretary [1983] 1 AC 280 Hearne v Street (2008) 235 CLR 125 Crest Homes PLC v Marks [1987] 1 AC 829 Le v Williams [2004] NSWSC 645 Mason v Sainsbury (1782) 3 Doug KB 61 Prudential Assurance Co Ltd v Fountain Page Ltd [1991] 1 WLR 756 Springfield Nominees Pty Ltd v Bridgelands Securities Limited (1992) 38 FCR 217 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Royal Guardian Mortgage Corporation Pty Ltd (ACN 083 717 542) (First Plaintiff) Australian Mortgage Securities Pty Limited (ACN 003 072 446) (First Defendant) AFIG Wholesale Pty Limited (ACN 082 230 144) (Second Defendant) Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Pty Limited (Non-party respondent to Notice of Motion) Representation: Counsel: M W Young (Plaintiff) M R Elliott (Defendants) A Leopold SC / NCT Bilinsky (Genworth) Solicitors: Bransgroves Lawyers (Plaintiffs) Mallesons Stephen Jaques (Defendants) Allens Arthur Robinson (Genworth) File Number(s): 2009/298646