In the matter of John Farragher Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1847

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: In the matter of John Farragher Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1847 Hearing dates: 3 – 4 and 10 December 2019 Decision date: 19 December 2019 Jurisdiction: Equity - Corporations List Before: Black J Decision: The proceedings be dismissed with costs. Catchwords: CORPORATIONS – members' rights and remedies – oppression – closely held family company – where "permanent director" purportedly appointed another director – where members of company later agreed in general meeting for that director to continue as director – transfer of shares to testamentary trusts and payment of distribution – access to books and records of company – whether conduct, individually or together, was oppressive – whether the plaintiffs should be appointed directors. Legislation Cited: - Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ss 181, 232, 232(e), 233, 247A, 1322 - Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) s 136 Cases Cited: - Campbell v Backoffice Investments Pty Ltd [2009] HCA 25; (2009) 238 CLR 304 - Catalano v Managing Australia Destinations Pty Ltd [2014] FCAFC 55; (2014) 314 ALR 62 - Dodrill v The Irish Restaurant and Bar Co Pty Ltd [2009] QSC 317 - Fexuto Pty Ltd v Bosnjak Holdings Pty Ltd [2001 NSWCA 97 - Jones v Dunkel [1959] HCA 8; (1959) 101 CLR 298 - Kuhl v Zurich Financial Services Australia Ltd [2011] HCA 11; (2011) 243 CLR 361 - Morgan v 45 Flers Avenue Pty Ltd (1986) 10 ACLR 692 - MSPR Pty Ltd v Advanced Braking Technology Ltd [2013] NSWCA 416 - Munstermann v Rayward [2017] NSWSC 133 - Re ICB Medical Distributors Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 1315 - Re Ledir Enterprises Pty Ltd [2013] NSWSC 1332 - Re Scientific Management Associates Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1643 - Re Spargos Mining NL (1990) 3 WAR 166; 3 ACSR 1; 8 ACLC 1218 - Solanki v Cufari [2014] VSC 345 - Tomanovic v Argyle HQ Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 152 - Tomanovic v Global Mortgage Equity Corporation Pty Ltd [2011] NSWCA 104; (2011) 84 ACSR 121 - Wayde v New South Wales Rugby League Ltd [1985] HCA 68; (1985) 180 CLR 459 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Seaham Grange Pty Ltd as trustee for the John Farragher Trust (First Plaintiff) Elizabeth Anne Farragher as trustee for the Elizabeth Farragher Trust (Second Plaintiff) John Farragher Pty Ltd (First Defendant) Francene Maree Therese Farragher as trustee for the Francene Farragher Trust (Second Defendant) Donna Maree Farragher as trustee for the Donna Farragher Trust (Third Defendant) Therese Mary Wildshut as trustee for the Therese Wildshut Trust (Fourth Defendant) Representation: Counsel: J Raftery (Plaintiffs) B F Katekar (Defendants)