Cowper v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd; Cowper v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2016] NSWSC 1614

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Cowper v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd; Cowper v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2016] NSWSC 1614 Hearing dates: 28 October, 4, 7, 11 November 2016 Date of orders: 14 November 2016 Decision date: 15 November 2016 Jurisdiction: Common Law Before: Rothman J Decision: Orders previously made on various dates, the last of which was 14 November 2016. Catchwords: DEFAMATION – motion to strike out defence and particulars – justification – necessity to know at time of publication the basis for the material.

DEFAMATION – discussion on need for proportionality – pleadings to contain material facts and particulars, not evidence.

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – unavailability of fourth defendant who is witness – significance of evidence to be adduced weighed against delay.

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – amendment to defence at eleventh hour – necessary delay – not central issue – case management. Legislation Cited: Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) Defamation Act 2005 (NSW) Defamation List Practice Note SC CL 4 Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) Cases Cited: Abu-Lokmeh v Harbour Radio Pty Ltd [2016] NSWCA 228 Ashcroft v Foley [2012] EWCA Civ 423 Cornwell v Channel Seven Sydney Pty Ltd [2016] NSWCA 255 Crosby v Kelly [2013] FCA 1343 Hickinbotham v Leach (1842) 10 M. & W. 361; 152 ER 510 J'Anson v Stuart (1787) 1 T. R. 748; (1787) 99 ER 1357 North-Western Salt Co Ltd v Electrolytic Alkali Co Ltd [1913] 3 KB 422 Philipps v Philippsand Ors (1878) 4 QBD 127 Sims v Wran [1984] 1 NSWLR 317 Wooton v Sievier [1913] 3 KB 499 Zierenberg v Labouchere [1893] 2 QB 183 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: 2015/141763 (Fairfax proceedings) Graeme Cowper (Plaintiff) Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited (First Defendant) The Age Company Limited (Second Defendant) Adele Ferguson (Third Defendant) Ruth Williams (Fourth Defendant) Jeff Morris (Fifth Defendant)