Seven Network (Operations) Limited v Shane Dowling [2018] NSWSC 1890

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Seven Network (Operations) Limited v Shane Dowling [2018] NSWSC 1890 Hearing dates: 27 September 2018 Decision date: 07 December 2018 Jurisdiction: Equity Before: Rees J Decision: Dismiss application for stay; pursuant to s 61(3) of the CPA, dismiss the defendant's motion filed on 12 January 2018; pursuant to r 31.54 UCPR, appoint solicitor to provide assistance; access orders with respect to subpoena packet S-5: see [87]. Catchwords: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Stay of proceedings — Application for removal to High Court of Australia —Prospects of success — Balance of convenience — Stay refused.

CIVIL PROCEDURE — Interlocutory applications — Application to transfer to an interstate or federal court — Application to set aside subpoena — Want of due despatch — Applicant refused to move on motion — Application dismissed.

CIVIL PROCEDURE — Subpoenas — Objection to production of documents or things — Self-represented defendant in civil proceedings — Objection by defendant to subpoena addressed to NSW Police —Privilege against self-incrimination — Court expert appointed to identify privileged material. Legislation Cited: Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW), ss 56, 61(3), 67, 87, 142 Court Suppression and Non-Publication Orders Act 2010 (NSW), s 16 Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), ss 118, 119, 128 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth), ss 40, 77U Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act 1987 (NSW), s 5 Oaths Act 1900 (NSW), s 8(1), sch 4 Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 53(3) Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005, rr 1.3, 12.7, 31.54, 33.5, 33.8, 33.9 Cases Cited: Attorney General v Markisic [2011] NSWSC 1436 Blanch v Deputy Commissioner of Taxation [2004] NSWCA 461 Carter v Northmore Hale Davy & Leake (1995) 183 CLR 121 Controlled Consultants Pty Ltd v Commissioner for Corporate Affairs (1985) 156 CLR 385 at 393 Ebner v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy (2000) 205 CLR 337 Environmental Protection Authority v Caltex Refining Co Pty Ltd (1993) 178 CLR 477 Griffin v Council of the Law Society of NSW [2016] NSWCA 275 Harman v Secretary of State for the Home Department [1983] 1 AC 280 Hearne v Street (2008) 235 CLR 125 Heedes v Legal Practice Board [2005] WASCA 166 Ingot Capital Investments v Macquarie Equity Capital Markets (No 7) [2008] NSWSC 199 Jennings Construction Limited v Burgundy Royale Investments Pty Ltd (1986) 161 CLR 681 Lange v Australian Broadcasting Commission (1997) 189 CLR 520 Microsoft Corporation v CX Computer Pty Ltd (2002) 116 FCR 372 Monteiro v State of New South Wales (No 4) [2016] NSWSC 1626 Pascoe v Divisional Security Group Pty Ltd [2007] NSWSC 211 Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of New South Wales v Dowling [2017] NSWSC 392 Re Colina; ex parte Torney (1999) 200 CLR 386 Seven Network v Dowling [2018] NSWSC 1803 Waterhouse v Independent Commission Against Corruption [2015] NSWCA 300 Wyong Shire Council v Neuman [2008] NSWSC 1295 Texts Cited: Cross on Evidence (looseleaf, LexisNexis Australia) Gray, "Contempt and the Australian Constitution – Part I" (2017) 22 Journal of Judicial Administration 3 Category: Procedural and other rulings Parties: Seven Network (Operations) Limited - First Plaintiff Seven West Media Limited - Second Plaintiff Shane Dowling - Defendant Representation: Counsel: M Cowden - Plaintiffs Shane Dowling - Self-Represented