Adoption of NG (No 1) [2014] NSWSC 627

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Adoption of NG (No 1) [2014] NSWSC 627 Hearing dates: 14 May 2014 Decision date: 14 May 2014 Jurisdiction: Equity Division - Adoption List Before: Brereton J Decision: The defendant need not comply with the notice to produce Catchwords: FAMILY LAW AND CHILD WELFARE - the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and related legislation - evidence - legal professional privilege - expert report relating to child - whether privilege excluded or overridden EVIDENCE - facts excluded from proof - on grounds of privilege - litigation privilege - child welfare proceedings - whether paramountcy principle overrides privilege - held, it does not Legislation Cited: (CTH) Family Law Act 1975 (CTH) Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987 s 11(1)(c) (NSW) Adoption Act 2000 s 126 (NSW) Evidence Act 1995 s 118, 119, 122 (NSW) Protected Estates Act 1983 s 13(2) (repealed) Cases Cited: Baghti v Baghti [2010] Fam CA 171 Baker v Campbell (1983) 153 CLR 52 Benson v Hughes (1994) 17 Fam LR 761 Burton v Earl of Darnley (1869) LR 8 Eq 576 Carter v Managing Partner, Northmore Hale Davy and Leake (1995) 183 CLR 121 Corporate Affairs Commission v Yuill (1991) 172 CLR 319 Hutchings v Clarke (1993) 16 Fam LR 452 In the marriage of CW (1998) 22 Fam LR 750 R v Bell; ex parte Lees (1980) 146 CLR 141 R v P (2001) 53 NSWLR 664 Ramsbotham v Senior (1869) LR 8 Eq 575 Re L (A Minor) (Police Investigation: Privilege) [1996] 2 All ER 789; [1997] AC 16 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Secretary, Department of Family and Community Services (plaintiff) MLC (defendant) Representation: Counsel: Ms E Lawson (plaintiff) Ms E Pender (defendant) Solicitors: Crown Solicitor's Office (plaintiff) Winn Legal (defendant) File Number(s): A122/2013