INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd v AkzoNobel NV (No 3) [2024] FCA 1221

INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd v AkzoNobel NV (No 3) [2024] FCA 1221

In the context of ongoing discovery and late production in a complex, high-stakes commercial proceeding, the applicants may cross-examine three deponents of affidavits relating to discovery. Leave is not required under s 27 of the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth). The circumstances – including ongoing disputes as to discovery categories, late document production, and contested interpretations – amount to special circumstances warranting cross-examination limited to discovery processes.

Parties
First Applicant: INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd; Second Applicant: Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd; First Respondent: AkzoNobel NV; Second Respondent: International Paint Limited; Third Respondent: Akzo Nobel Pty Limited; First Cross Claimant: AkzoNobel NV; Second Cross Claimant: International Paint Limited; Third Cross Claimant: Akzo Nobel Pty Limited; First Cross Respondent: INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd; Second Cross Respondent: Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd; Third Cross Respondent: JKC Australia LNG Pty Ltd
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
22 October 2024
Procedural Posture
Interlocutory Motion in Ongoing Commercial Proceedings / Post Liability Trial, Discovery/cross Examination Application
Outcome
Application granted for cross-examination
Legal Topics
Discovery, Cross Examination of Affidavit Deponents, Interlocutory Applications
Practice and Procedure Commercial Law Discovery Cross Examination of Affidavit Deponents Interlocutory Applications

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Parties

INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd

First Applicant

Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd

Second Applicant

AkzoNobel NV

First Respondent

International Paint Limited

Second Respondent

Akzo Nobel Pty Limited

Third Respondent

AkzoNobel NV

First Cross Claimant

International Paint Limited

Second Cross Claimant

Akzo Nobel Pty Limited

Third Cross Claimant

INPEX Operations Australia Pty Ltd

First Cross Respondent

Ichthys LNG Pty Ltd

Second Cross Respondent

JKC Australia LNG Pty Ltd

Third Cross Respondent

Procedural Posture

Interlocutory Motion in Ongoing Commercial Proceedings / Post Liability Trial, Discovery/cross Examination Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether applicants should be permitted to cross-examine deponents of affidavits relating to discovery regime
  2. 2 Continuing obligations of parties and lawyers in relation to discovery
  3. 3 Whether leave is required to cross-examine deponents

Ratio Decidendi

In the context of ongoing discovery and late production in a complex, high-stakes commercial proceeding, the applicants may cross-examine three deponents of affidavits relating to discovery. Leave is not required under s 27 of the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth). The circumstances – including ongoing disputes as to discovery categories, late document production, and contested interpretations – amount to special circumstances warranting cross-examination limited to discovery processes.

Court Disposition

Application granted for cross-examination

Orders

  • The applicants are permitted to cross-examine Mr Timothy Donisi, Dr Sarah McCague, and Ms Marni Lancaster on their affidavits.
  • Subject to further order, a hearing for cross-examination is listed for 30 October 2024.