Registration, Recognition and Enforcement
of Foreign AND INTERSTATE Judgments
AND FOREIGN ARBITRAL AWARDS
(Foreign Judgments in New South Wales)
(Interstate Judgments in Australia)
(NSW Judgments Overseas)
(Foreign Arbitral Awards in Australia)
Summary Guide and Checklist
v 3.0
(1 October 2010)
Justin Hogan-Doran
B.Ec,
LL.B.(Hons)(Syd), BCL(Hons), MPhil(Dist)(Oxon) G.Dip.Mil.L.(ANU) MCIArb
Barrister
Seven
Wentworth Chambers
Adjunct Lecturer
Sydney Centre for International Law
University
of Sydney
Note
This document is a guide only. Nothing in this document should be taken as advice on the legal matters addressed herein, without express written notice to contrary effect given by the author. In reading and making use of this document, the reader undertakes to check the information contained in this document against the rules, regulations, legislation and case law contained herein and to form his or her own view as to the correctness of the material set out. Note that provisions of the rules, regulations and legislations (including prescribed forms), as well as the effect of case law, are subject to change from time to time without notice. This document was last edited on 1 October 2010. Version 3.0 includes a review of all legislation, rules and forms (and their numbering) referred to herein, and is up to date to 1 October 2010. This includes the amendments to the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) by Act No. 97 of 2010.
© Justin Hogan-Doran, Seven Wentworth Chambers, 7/180 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Table of Contents
A. Does
the Foreign Judgments Act Apply?
B. Registration
Process: Time & Originating Process
G. Hearing
– Powers of Court Officers
J. Alternatives to FJA Enforcement
Part II: Recognition and Enforcement of
Foreign Judgments in NSW at Common Law
K. Is the Foreign Judgment capable of
recognition (and enforcement)?.
L.
Commencement and originating process (Enforcement Only)
M. Defences to Recognition and Enforcement at Common Law
Part III: Recognition and Enforcement of Interstate
Judgments in Australia
Part IV: International Recognition and
Enforcement of NSW Judgments
P. Arbitral
awards other than under the International Arbitration Act 1974
Q. Enforcing
Arbitration Agreements by Staying Local Proceedings and Enjoining Foreign
Proceedings
T. FJA registration rules in other Australian
Courts
U. Global enforcement resources
ANNEXURE B – Extracts from Foreign Judgments
Regulations 1992
This Guide
1. This guide informs
practitioners of the statutory, regulatory, procedural and evidentiary
requirements arising in applications to register, recognise and/or enforce foreign
and interstate judgments in NSW, and foreign arbitral awards in Australia, as
well as dealing with the recognition and enforcement of NSW judgments
interstate and (in part) overseas.
2. The guide operates
principally by means of a ‘checklist’ of issues. It is intended as a
time-saving guide for an issue with which practitioners are often unfamiliar.
3. Use of or reference
to the common law will require consideration of a substantial body of case law,
theory and doctrines of private international law. For that reason, only
a limited discussion is included of the common law, except at the broad level
and as to procedure. Further research or advice from an experience
practitioner in the area is recommended.
Parts I and II –
Foreign Judgments under Statute and at Common Law
(a)
Introduction to the Foreign
Judgments Act 1991 (Cth)
4. A foreign judgment
may be useful for two purposes:
(a)
its enforcement value, against local assets of
the judgment debtor (even if the judgment debtor is not present in the
jurisdiction); or
(b)
its preclusive effect (res judicata, issue
estoppel and Anshun estoppel), by mere recognition of the foreign
judgment and the issues it determined.
5. Traditionally,
foreign judgments were sued on at common law (to enforce as a type of debt, if
a money judgment Nouvion v Freeman (1889) 15 App Cas 1 at 8; Grant v Easton (1883) 13 QBD 302 at 303) or pleaded in proceedings as
part of a claim or defence (where local remedies are sought).
6. However, money
judgments (and certain NZ non-money judgments) of the superior courts and some
inferior courts of certain foreign countries can be ‘registered’ and enforced
under Part 2 of the Foreign
Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) (the FJA).
7. The FJA offers a
simpler, more certain process that avoids the need to commence fresh
proceedings for enforcement. It is an essentially administrative or
bureaucratic function, typically conducted ex parte, modelled on a
similar process in the civil law (France etc.) known as an exequatur.
(It was the intention of the 1933 UK legislation on which the FJA is
based to achieve that result). Thus, there are strict evidentiary and
procedural requirements imposed on an applicant. It only becomes litigious
if an application is brought to set aside registration.
Enforcement
8. Enforcement of a
foreign judgment can be achieved:
(a)
If Pt 2 of the FJA applies to it, only under
that Act (s 10).
(b)
If Pt 2 of the FJA does not apply to it, only at
common law.
Recognition
9. Recognition of a
foreign judgment can be achieved as follows:
(a)
If Pt 2 of the FJA applies to the judgment, it must be
recognised as conclusive between the parties by an Australian court
(s. 12(1) FJA) and can also be recognised at common law (s. 12(3)
FJA).
(b)
However, that rule does not apply, and recognition at
common law will also be denied, if two requirements are met (s. 12(2)-(3)
FJA):
(i)
either registration has been effected under the FJA
but was set aside, or registration would have been set aside had the judgment
been registered; and
(ii)
it is not capable of recognition at common law.
10. For example:
(a)
If it is a money judgment from the New Zealand High
Court (FJA applies), and the basis of jurisdiction was ‘tag’ jurisdiction
(service on the judgment debtor while he or she was fleetingly present in NZ),
this is not a recognised basis of jurisdiction under the FJA (and so
registration would be set aside) but it is sufficient at common law, so
s. 12(3) entitles a court to recognise it.
(b)
If it is a money judgment from the New Zealand High
Court (and so the FJA would apply), and the basis of jurisdiction was that the proceedings are in respect of a
transaction effected through or at an office or place of business that the
judgment debtor once had in the country of that court, but no longer has and is
not present at the time of commencement of proceedings (the NZ Plaintiff using
long-arm NZHC jurisdiction rules to serve ex
juris), but also the defendant was not properly served and so had no notice
of the proceedings, then its registration would be set aside (s. 7(2)(a)). Since that basis of jurisdiction is not
available at common law, there would be no recognition.
(c)
If jurisdiction was based on service out of NZ, and
the only connecting factor is that NZ law governs the contract (a typical head
of extra-territorial jurisdiction in Australia and NZ), it is not capable of
recognition either under the FJA or at common law (since that head of
jurisdiction is not recognised under the FJA or at common law).
11. If it is not a
money judgment, but Pt 2 of the FJA would have applied to it if it were, the
above rules also apply: see s. 12(1).
12. If Pt 2 of the FJA
does not apply to the foreign judgment, and Pt 2 would not have applied
to it even if it were a money judgment, recognition can only be effected (if at
all) at common law.
(b)
Applicability of the FJA - Overview
13. The principal criteria for the application
of Pt 2 FJA is that the judgment is a final and conclusive money judgment from
countries specified in the Regulations.
They must either emanate from superior
courts of those countries that have been specified (and the regulations
provide an inclusive list of what are
considered to be superior courts in those countries) or from inferior courts that are actually
listed in the Regulations – that is, both the country and the inferior court
must be specified, whereas only the country need be specified for ‘superior
courts’. See Section ‘A’ below and the
extracts from the Regulations in Annexure ‘B’ below.
14. Other criteria ‘in effect’ arise from the
need to avoid the registration being set aside and the need to provide
proof/evidence (see s. 6(3) and UCPR 53.3) at the outset that, inter alia, the judgment is not one
whose registration must be set aside.
The most important requirement is to show that the foreign court had the
appropriate jurisdiction to determine the matter and deliver the judgment. For this, it must have had one or other of
the specified grounds of jurisdiction recognised by the Act, whether the action
be in personam or in rem.
These are mostly derived from the common law, but are not
identical. However, for enforceable
money judgments that are not in personam
or in rem State (common law and
statute) grounds of jurisdiction are picked up automatically. This last point is significant given the
express carve out from the definition of actions
in personam for matrimonial matters, bankruptcy, estates etc. in
s. 3(1) FJA. See Section ‘E’ below.
(c) Summary of Parts I and II of this
Guide:
¾
As to whether the FJA applies, see Section ‘A’.
¾
If the FJA does not apply, go to the common law and
see Section ‘K’.
¾
As to the time and means of initiating registration,
see Section ‘B’.
¾
An affidavit in support is required – Section
‘C’.
A precedent is at Annexure C.
¾
For the notice of registration to be served on
Judgment Debtors, see Section ‘D’.
¾
To set aside registration, a motion must be
filed. As to method and grounds for setting aside, see section ‘E’.
¾
To seek a stay of enforcement pending an appeal in the
foreign country of origin of the judgment etc., see section ‘F’.
¾
The power of particular court officers is set out at
Section ‘G’.
¾
If the registration is not set aside, enforcement can
occur. See section ‘H’.
¾
Statutory demands and bankruptcy notices are
alternative statutory methods of ‘enforcement’ in kind, which do not require
prior registration. See section ‘J’.
¾
The FJA only permits registration by a Supreme Court
or the Federal Court. As only a few types of judgments, rarely enforced,
are eligible for registration in the Federal Court of Australia, only the NSW
Supreme Court Rules (SCR) and Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR) are referred
to in this guide. The FJA-relevant rules in the Federal Court and other
State & Territory Supreme Courts are listed in section ‘T’ below.
15. Common Law: An overview is
provided of the common law rules, on which the FJA is founded. However,
it requires more expertise and consideration of extensive case law. At
common law and under the FJA (except for certain NZ judgments) only money
judgments are enforceable. Other judgments can be recognised at common
law. Further research is always warranted. See sections ’K’ to ‘M’ below.
16. New Zealand
Judgments: Certain New Zealand judgments can be enforced through the Federal
Court in the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), Part IIIA
(trans-Tasman market proceedings). This is restricted to judgments given in the
High Court of New Zealand in proceedings arising under sections 36A, 98H and
99A of the (NZ) Commerce Act 1986 (NZ). These are not dealt with
in this Guide.
17. Other relief: Before
commencing registration or proceedings, consider whether freezing (Mareva)
orders are necessary. See article on
freezing orders by the author here.
18. Other legislation: Maintenance
orders and agreements, child support orders etc., as well as orders as to
custody and parenting are registrable and enforceable by
the Family Court under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), which gives effect
to various international conventions. These are not dealt with in this
Guide.
Part III –
Interstate Enforcement of Judgments in Australia
19. Recognition of
court judgments in NSW and of NSW judgments around Australia arises from the
Full Faith and Credit provision of the Australian Constitution, at least as to
inter-state judgments. State and Territory judgments are also given
effect by the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth).
20. Registration and/or
enforcement each requires compliance with Pt 6 of Service and Execution of
Process Act 1992 (Cth) (SEPA).
21. NOTE: This includes
foreign judgments registered interstate under the FJA which are to be enforced
using the power of the local courts.
Part
IV – International Enforcement of NSW Judgments
22. Enforcing NSW
judgments abroad is mostly a matter of foreign law. Certificates can be obtained from NSW courts
to assist this process.
Part
V: Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
23. An arbitral award
within Australia is enforceable in accordance with the terms of the Uniform
Commercial Arbitration Acts, in each state. These are in largely similar
form and to largely similar effect.
24. The recognition and
enforcement of foreign arbitral awards (as defined) is dealt with either under
the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) (the “IAA”) together with the Uniform Commercial Arbitration Acts, or at
common law.
25. 1958 New York
Convention Awards: Part II of the IAA applies to awards to which the 1958 New York Convention on Recognition and
Enforcement of Arbitral Awards applies. See section ‘N’.
26. 1985 UNCITRAL Model
Law Awards: Part III of the IAA applies to awards to which the 1985 UNCITRAL Model Law on International
Commercial Arbitration applies, having force of law in Australia under s. 16
IAA.
See section ‘O’.
27. ICSID Awards: Part IV of the IAA
deals with ICSID investor-state arbitral awards. These are not covered by
this paper.
28. Awards at Common
law: For the common law position, see section ‘P’.
29. International
Arbitration Agreements: There are related issues to do with enforcement of
arbitration agreements by
staying local (Australian) proceedings in favour of arbitrations in or outside
of Australia to which the IAA applies. State legislation can be used where the
IAA does not apply. At common law, foreign court proceedings in breach of
an arbitration agreement can be enjoined (injunction) where the defendant is
amenable to the court’s jurisdiction, by means of an anti-suit
injunction. See section ‘Q’.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
(a) Does Pt 2 of the Act apply? s 5(4) FJA |
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(i) Does it come from a country and court to which the FJA applies? Note: You must get a ‘Yes’ answer to 1 and any of 2, 3 or 4 (but note 5). |
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1. Is it from a country listed in Column 2 (Country) of the Schedule to the Foreign Judgments Regulations 1992 See extract in Annexure B, Item 1. |
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2. Is it from a superior court listed in Column 3 (Courts) of the Schedule? Note: If in the Schedule, it is deemed to be a Superior Court – FJA s 5(2). See extract in Annexure B, Item 1. |
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3. Is it otherwise a ‘superior court’? Note: If it is not listed in the Schedule as a superior court, you can still otherwise prove that the foreign court is a Superior Court – FJA s 5(2). See Mariala Estates Ltd v Athanasi & Ors [2001] NSWSC 1013. |
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4. Is it from an ‘inferior court’ listed in Regulation 5? See extract in Annexure B, Item 2. |
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5. Is it a judgment of a superior court on appeal from an inferior court listed in Regulation 5? If the answer to 5 is ‘yes’, you must satisfy 4 unless it is now the appellate court’s judgment that is being enforced (per the procedural law of the foreign courts; e.g. because it has conducted a rehearing de novo) and not just an affirmed inferior court judgment. The appellate court must be a superior court per 1-3 or an inferior court per 4. You may need an expert in foreign procedural law to determine this. |
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(ii) Is it a judgment to which the FJA applies? Note: You must get a ‘yes’ to 6 and 7, and a ‘yes’ to either of 8A or 8B. |
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6. Is it a “judgment”? Includes any of the following (s 3 FJA): - Final or interlocutory judgment/order by court in civil proceedings - Judgment or order by a court in criminal proceedings for payment of a sum of money as compensation / damages to injured party See Fletcher Steel v Moghe [2006] NSWSC 425. - Arbitration award (not s 34(a) of the International Arbitration Act 1974 or an award that may be enforced under s 35(2) of that Act) conducted in and under law of a country, and is enforceable in a court of that country as for a judgment / order by that court. See Celtic Resources Holdings Plc v Arduina Holding BV [2006] WASC 68. Note: s 34(a) International Arbitration Act 1974 applies to ICSID centre awards. |
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7. Is it a “final and conclusive” judgment? Note: See common law. See also s 5(5) FJA (still final if appeal pending or has been appealed but not yet heard). Note: Includes default judgments: Re Teape (unreported, SC(QLD), Ryan J, No 1125/1992, 26 February 1993, BC9303388). |
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Either: 8A. Is it an “enforceable money judgment”? Means (s 3 FJA): - Any sum of money other than taxes or other charges of a similar nature a fine or other penalty (see common law). See Schnabel v Lui [2002] Nswsc 15 (Bergin J). - Amount of money payable as “New Zealand tax” (defined in s 3) - Amount of money payable in respect of “recoverable Papua New Guinea income tax” (defined in s 3) |
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8B. Is it an “enforceable non-money judgment”? (see ss. 3, 5(4)(a)). Note: Only s 6(2)(a) applies, being Commerce Act 1986 (NZ) non-money judgments (other than proceedings in which a matter for determination arises under section 36A, 98H or 99A of that Act, which are excluded from Parts 2 FJA by s 5(10)). |
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(iii) Has it already been registered in another State or Territory in Australia? If so, you are simply seeking registration in NSW under the Service & Execution of Process Act 1992 (SEPA) to pursue assets here. See Part III below. |
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ISSUE |
Y / N |
(a) When – Time Bar – s 6(1) FJA |
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§ You must apply within six years after the date of foreign judgment or after the appeal is complete (if any), whichever is the later: s 6(1) Note:
‘Apply’ refers to the date of filing: Ellis v Dariush-Far [2007] QCA
398 Note: The 12 year time bar in s 17 Limitation Act 1969 (NSW) applies to enforcement proceedings brought on the registered foreign judgment, not to registration of it. |
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(b) Where to Commence – The ‘appropriate’ court – s 6(2) FJA |
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§ If it is a money judgment under the Commerce Act 1986 of New Zealand (other than under ss. 36A, 98H or 99A) – go to the Federal Court of Australia or the Supreme Court of a State or Territory. |
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§ If it is a non-money judgment under the Commerce Act 1986 of New Zealand (other than under ss. 36A, 98H or 99A): go to the FCA |
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§ In all other cases: go to the Supreme Court of a State or Territory Note: Not necessary that state of registration also be state of enforcement. Can register in NSW then use Pt 6 of Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth) to register that NSW judgment elsewhere: Re S A Cryonic Medical [2002] VSC 338 – see Part III below. |
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(c) How to commence 1 – Federal Court of Australia |
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§ By Application, using Form 132 content within the generic Form 1.. |
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§ Pay the filing fee: $735.00 individuals; $1,762.00 corporations. For current Federal Court fees and charges, see here. |
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See Order 74 for rules similar to the NSW rules set out below. For current Federal Court Rules, see here. |
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(c) How to commence 2 – NSW Supreme Court – UCPR 53.2(1) |
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§ By summons in Common Law Division (UCPR Form 4A / 4B) - ‘Plaintiff’ renamed Judgment creditor - UCPR 53.2(2) - ‘Defendant’ renamed Judgement debtor - UCPR 53.2(2) |
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§ Seeking the following orders: |
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1.
Order for registration under
s 6(2). Must stipulate extent to which the judgment may be enforced:
UCPR 53.5(2). Given s.
6(7) and (12),
this means setting out the amount of the judgment. Allardyce Lumbar Company Limited v Quarter
Enterprises Pty Limited [2010]
NSWSC 807 (Davies J) See Form 69A at Annexure A for form of order in Summons &
Minute of Order. See Annexure A, item 1 below for the form. |
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2. Order that registration occur in the absence of the public and without attendance by the Plaintiff: UCPR 53.2(4) Notes: Should request that in the Summons, e.g.: “2. An order under UCPR 53.2(4) that order 1 [i.e. the registration order] be made in the absence of the public and without any attendance by or on behalf of the judgment creditor.” Note: Avoids necessity to get a return date and to serve. A Registrar has the delegation to make the order in Chambers if this order is included. See Section ‘G’ below. |
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§ Pay the filing fee: $685.00 individuals; $1,370.00 corporations. For current Supreme Court fees and charges, see here. |
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(d) Currency – subs. 6(11), (11A), (12) FJA |
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§
The
foreign judgment can be registered still in its foreign currency. §
For
reasons set out in Note 2 in Section ‘
I’ of this Guide below, if it is in a foreign currency, it must stay that
way. Note: It is sufficient simply to specify
the currency in the order for registration.
It is not necessary to make any further statement in an affidavit that
it is ‘wished’ or ‘desired’ that the judgment be so registered. Allardyce Lumbar Company Limited v Quarter
Enterprises Pty Limited [2010]
NSWSC 807 (Davies J). |
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WARNING – See note 2 in section ‘ I’ of this Guide. The below will only apply if the legislative error is corrected in subsequent legislation. § Otherwise, use equivalent amount in Australian currency: - Date of Rate: Use the exchange rate prevailing on the second business day (the conversion day) before the day on which the application for registration is made. NOTE: Business day means a day on which the authorised FOREX dealers selected publish rates at which Australian dollars may be bought in the currency in which the judgment is expressed: s 6(11B). Note: Must be exactly second business day before, not day of application, otherwise it will be registered in contravention of the FJA: Lewis (formerly Brehm) v Beck (unreported, Vic SC, Beach J, 12/5/1998, BC9802042) - Time of Rate: Rate is the average of the rates at which Australian dollars may be bought in the currency in which the judgment is expressed at 11 AM on the conversion day. Note: If several rates are applicable on the same day, the lowest should be chosen: Malaysia-Singapore Airlines Ltd v Parker (1972) 3 SASR 300. - Source of Rate: Take an average of three (3) “authorised foreign exchange dealers” as defined in s 6(16) FJA selected by the JC. |
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(e) Minute of Order |
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§ Should accompany the Summons so that orders can be made by the Registrar in Chambers. See Form 69A (see Annexure A, item 1). |
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§ Should stipulate the time within which application may be made to set aside (s 6(4) FJA) – must be at least 14 days except in exceptional circumstances: r 5(1). See Form 69A (see Annexure A, item 1). §
Note:
To abridge time, you can go before the Registrar for order under UCPR 1.12 or
SCR 59A (see Delegation here),
or any judicial officer. |
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(f) Service – UCPR 53.2(2) |
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§ Judgment creditor can proceed without service of the summons: r 2(2). Note: This is why the affidavit evidence that accompanies the Summons is so extensive. § Must however serve Notice of Registration – see below Section ‘D’. |
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(h) Service outside of NSW, within Australia – SEPA |
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§
If serving the Summons and
Notice interstate, ensure that you comply with Pt 2 of Service and Execution of Process
Act 1992 (Cth) (SEPA). This
includes using the prescribed form of cover notice (as required by s. 16
SEPA), being Form 1 in Schedule 1 of the Service and
Execution of Process Regulations 1993 here. |
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(h) Service outside of Australia – UCPR 11.2, Sch 6 item (u) |
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§
As for (f), but you can serve
on foreign defendant (so as to enforce against local assets). See UCPR 11.2 plus Schedule 6, item (u)
which permits service out of the jurisdiction where “proceedings are
commenced to enforce in New South Wales a judgment wherever given”. |
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Note: You must file an affidavit in support of the application for registration. The Court must order the judgment registered upon proof of the matters prescribed in applicable rules of Court: s 6(3) FJA. The relevant rules are in UCPR 53.3. See the precedent Affidavit set out in Annexure C.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
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Affidavit in Support of Summons – UCPR 53.3; s 6(3),(11) FJA |
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§ Affidavit requires the following: UCPR 53.3(1) Note: Forms: NSW Sup Ct - UCPR Form 40. Federal Court: Form 20 See Order 74
for equivalent rules in the Federal Court. As an example of a review of evidence in support, see Allardyce Lumbar Company Limited v Quarter Enterprises Pty Limited [2010] NSWSC 807 (Davies J) |
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- The Foreign Judgment or a verified or certified or otherwise duly authenticated copy of the judgment should be annexed / exhibited. |
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- Translation of the foreign judgment: certified by a notary public or authenticated by (expert) evidence. |
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- Personal Details of Parties: So far as known to the deponent: |
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- Name and trade (e.g. John Doe, Company Director) or business (ABC, Inc, widget exporter) of Judgment creditor (JC) |
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- Usual or last known place of abode or of business of JC |
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- Name and trade (e.g. John Doe, Company Director) or business (XYZ, Inc, widget importer) of Judgment Debtor (JD) |
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- Usual or last known place of abode or of business of JD |
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- Parts of Judgment: Which provisions/orders/parts of the judgment subject of the application. |
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- Amount: Amount originally owing (for a money judgment) |
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- Appropriate Court: Evidence that the NSW SC is the appropriate court under s 6(1) of the Act (see ‘Where to Commence, above) |
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- Evidence to the best of the information or belief of the deponent or witness showing: |
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(a)
Entitlement: That the judgment creditor is entitled to enforce
the judgment (e.g. assignee of judgment creditor, change name etc., no other
bar). |
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(b)
Enforceable: That, at the date of the application, the judgment
can be enforced by execution in the country of the original court (nothing
there to prevent it). |
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(c)
Non-applicability
of s 7: That, at the date of the application, the
registration would not be, or be liable to be, set aside under section 7 of
FJA. See Section ‘E’
below. Note: In
other words, you have to express a legal opinion as to the non-applicability of
the grounds under s 7, including the non-existence of facts that may
otherwise form the basis of its application. See section ‘E’ below. It
will be apparent from the below that the affidavit must be made by an
Australian legal practitioner. Note: in Queensland it is not necessary to prove this – UCPR 1999 (Qld) s. 947E. |
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- Interest: Where interest is payable by the law of the country of the original court on any money which is payable under the judgment, set out all of the following: |
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(a)
The rate
of interest. |
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(b)
The amount
of interest which has become due under the judgment up to the time of
application for registration. |
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(c)
The daily
amount of interest which, subject to any future payment on account of the
judgment, will accrue after the date of the application. |
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- Unsatisfied: The extent to which the judgment is unsatisfied. |
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Note: Once the summons and affidavit in support are filed, the Registrar will grant the application within about 2-3 days and notify you. You must then serve the notice of registration. The appropriate form is Form 69B. Typically, you will serve the summons and affidavit as well, but that is not required except as a matter of courtesy and in the interests of the proper administration of justice.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
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(a) Requirement of Service – UCPR 53.6(1)-(2) |
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1. Notice of registration must be served on the Judgment Debtor. Note: Need not reside in the jurisdiction. Hunt v BP Exploration Co (Libya) Ltd [1980] HCA 7; (1980) 144 CLR 565. |
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2. Personal service except where: - Judgment debtor has entered an appearance - Judgment debtor is in default of appearance - Otherwise ordered [substituted service – see UCPR Pt 10 r 14] |
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(b) Form and Content of Notice – UCPR 53.6(3) |
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1. Use Prescribed Form 69B (see Annexure A, Item 2) |
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2. Notice must state the following: |
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- Particulars of the judgment registered and of the order for registration. |
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- Right of the judgment debtor to apply for an order to: (a)
Set
aside the registration; and (b)
Stay
any enforcement of the judgment. |
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- Time within which the judgment debtor may file notice of a motion for an order setting aside the registration. Note: 14 days unless special circumstances apply – UCPR 53.5(1). |
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- If summons not served on the judgment debtor, the address for service of the judgment creditor. Note: Even if service of the summons is unnecessary, you may as well serve the summons and affidavit in support. |
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Note: Assuming that you are now acting for the Judgment Debtor, you will need to act quickly and in any event within the time specified by the Notice (usually 14 days) to set aside registration.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
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(a) First Step – Getting a copy of the judgment – UCPR 36.12-13 |
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1A. Informal: Request copy of affidavit and exhibits from JC / Applicant. |
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1B. Formal: Get access to Court file as party - UCPR 36.12. Form here. |
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NB: Can also request Registrar to provide certified copy of ‘external judgments’ to any person appearing to have a sufficient interest in it – UCPR 36.13. Registrar must endorse statement as to: (a) the provision under which registration or filing was effected, (b) the date of registration or filing, (c) that registration / filing was effected by a faxed copy (if so), (d) that registration / filing cancelled (if so), including date thereof. |
|
|
(b) Where are applications made to set aside ? s 7(1) FJA |
|
|
1A. In the Court in which judgment registered; OR |
|
|
1B. In the Court in which judgment registered under Pt 6, Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth) (SEPA) Note: Rules of private international law do not apply to judgments so registered. Must use FJA and local rules to set aside: s 109 SEPA. |
|
|
(c) When must applications be made by? UCPR 53.7 |
|
|
1A. Within the time specified in the notice (s 6(4) FJA) (usually 14 days). |
|
|
1B. Within such further time as the court directs (s 6(5) FJA). Note: If you need more time, go up before an Associate Justice or Duty Judge and get an extension of time. Seek consent from other side if possible/practicable. Note: If you are late, you can only attempt to get an order ‘nunc pro tunc’ extending time. Put an affidavit together to explain the delay. Note: You can always make application even before service. If the Defendant files a motion in the proceedings without the notice yet being served, the court must still set a period within which the Defendant must make application, but the court can just set a nominal period once it has dismissed that motion: Morf-Zinggeler v Morf [1999] WASC 10 (27 April 1999) |
|
|
(d) How is the application made? |
|
|
§ By notice of motion in the proceedings. Note: Use UCPR Form 20 here. |
|
|
(e) What grounds can you rely on? |
|
|
(i) Must set aside – s 7(2)(a) – Any of the following: |
|
|
1. Not a judgment to which the FJA applies (now or at the time of registration) |
|
|
2. Registered for an amount greater than that payable Note: Court must then, on application of the JC, order that the judgment be registered in respect of the amount payable under at the date of the application: s 9(1) FJA |
|
|
3. Registered in contravention of the Act Note: If set aside because no longer enforceable in original country, does not prejudice a fresh application to register when it is: s 9(2) FJA |
|
|
4. Judgment Debtor did not receive notice of the foreign proceedings in sufficient time to enable it to defend them and did not appear (denied natural justice) Note:
See for example Barclays Bank Ltd v Piacun [1984] 2 Qd R 476; Norsemeter Holding AS v Pieter Boele
[No.1] [2002]
NSWSC 370; rev’d on appeal [2002]
NSWCA 363. Giving someone “notice of the proceedings” requires more than simply informing them that proceedings either exist or will exist. They should see the nature of the proceedings and the claims for relief: Maschmann v Wenzel [2007] NSWSC 850. |
|
|
5. Fraud by the Judgment Creditor or the foreign court (see common law) See for example Yoon v Young Dung Song (2000) 158 FLR 295; [2000] NSWSC 1147; Close v Arnot (unrep, Graham AJ, SCNSW no. 10107/96, 21 November 1997). |
|
|
6. Foreign judgment was set aside on appeal or in original court |
|
|
7. Rights in judgment not vested in applicant |
|
|
8. The judgment has been discharged |
|
|
9. The judgment has been wholly satisfied Note: This is determined on the day the court hears and determines the application, not the date of filing of the application. Ellis v Dariush-Far [2007] QCA 398. |
|
|
10. Enforcement would be contrary to public
policy (see common law) Note: The scope of this rule is
unclear. Bank Polska v Opara [2007] QSC 1, Chesterman
J at [16]. Hence, it may be useful to consider the common law. See Jenton Overseas Investment Pte Ltd v v
Townsing [2008]
VSC 470, Whelan J at [6]. |
|
|
(ii) Must set aside – s 7(2)(a)(iv) + 7(3)-(4) – Foreign court had no jurisdiction – If fails all of the following: Note: If there is no head of jurisdiction under any of 11, 12 or 13, or if there is jurisdiction under these but 14 applies, the foreign court had no jurisdiction and registration must be set aside. Note: The list of heads of jurisdiction in 11, 12 and 13 is exhaustive. As such, e.g., mere presence at time of service of claim will not suffice under the FJA, unlike common law. See Société Co-opérative Sidmetal v Titan International Ltd [1966] 1 QB 828. |
|
|
11. Actions in personam: Set aside unless one of these applies: Note: The below criteria were developed based on the rules of common law as to recognition of the jurisdiction of foreign courts, also known as ‘jurisdiction in the international sense’. See Crick v Hennessy [1973] WAR 74; Re Word Publishing Co Ltd [1992] 2 Qd R 336. |
|
|
- Judgment Debtor (JD) voluntarily submitted This is determined by the rules of the enforcing court, not the foreign court. See De Santis v Russo [2001] QSC 65; (2001) 27 Fam LR 414; rev’d on appeal [2001] QCA 457; [2002] 2 Qd R 230; BC200106580. Note: You do not voluntarily submit if you appeared/participated solely to protect/release property seized, contest jurisdiction, argue discretionary decline of jurisdiction. See s 7(5) FJA. |
|
|
- JD was the plaintiff or cross-claimant in the foreign proceedings |
|
|
-
JD agreed in advance to
submit to the foreign jurisdiction For example, by an exclusive or
non-exclusive jurisdiction clause in the contract. |
|
|
- JD, being the defendant in the proceedings, was resident (natural person) or had its principal place of business (corporations only) in the foreign jurisdiction at time of commencement |
|
|
- JD was the defendant in the proceedings and the proceedings were in respect of a transaction effected through or at an office or place of business that the JD had in the county of that court Note: You must consider whose place of business it is - the individual’s or the company’s (if any) where he or she works. While there is no reliable case on this subparagraph, bankruptcy analogues suggest that being an employee or director of the company does not make the company’s place of business that person’s as well. |
|
|
- Amount is payable in respect of New Zealand tax. |
|
|
12. Immovable property or in rem claims: Set aside registration if the property was not situated in the jurisdiction at time of proceedings. Note: Conflict of laws speaks of movables and immovables, not realty and personalty. |
|
|
13. Excluded
Actions in Personam and Other claims. Note that s 3(1)
FJA excludes from the definition of ‘actions
in personam’ judgments in
matrimonial matters, administration suits, bankruptcy, winding up,
mental health or guardianship of infants.
Sufficient if jurisdiction is recognised by the law of a State or Territory (whether common law, statute). E.g.:
Adoption Act 2000 (NSW), Child Protection (International Measures) Act 2006
(NSW). |
|
|
14. All claims: Set aside even if any of 11-13 are satisfied where foreign jurisdiction is asserted: |
|
|
- Over immovable property outside that court (i.e. the rule in British South Africa Co v Cia de Moçambique [1893] AC 602) |
|
|
- Contrary to exclusive jurisdiction / arbitration clause unless JD voluntarily submitted, counter-claimed or otherwise pre-agreed |
|
|
(iii) May set aside – s 7(2)(b) FJA – If: |
|
|
§ Judgment in foreign proceedings was already res judicata before another court’s final and conclusive judgment made with jurisdiction |
|
|
(iv) Must set aside – Foreign Proceedings (Excess Of Jurisdiction) Act 1984 (Cth) – s 9 |
|
|
§ Foreign anti-trust proceedings (e.g. Sherman Act in the US) judgments (especially if relating to conduct outside the foreign court’s jurisdiction or awarding multiples of damages) can be prevented from registration by the Cth Attorney-General under s 9. Requires AG instrument. |
|
|
(f) Procedure if set aside – s 7(6) FJA |
|
|
§ If it is a foreign judgment registered under Pt 6 SEPA, Applicant (JC) must notify court in which judgment was first registered in Australia. |
|
|
- Forthwith, to Registrar of that first court |
|
|
- Within 7 days, sending certified copy of order setting aside. |
|
Note: If the foreign judgment
is currently the subject of an appeal, or will be, and registration cannot (or probably
will not) be set aside, you should seek further or in the alternative an order
for a stay of enforcement. If local proceedings may give rise to a
set-off, this may also be grounds for a non-FJA discretionary stay.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) Stay – s 8 FJA |
|
|
1A. If appealing in foreign court, or can and will appeal, JD can seek a stay either (s 8(1)): - Pending appeal (i.e. hearing and judgment on appeal) - Until a particular day - For a particular period |
|
|
1B. If Judgment Debtor (JD) has not yet appealed, Court must require JD as applicant for stay to appeal within a certain time: s 8(2) |
|
|
2. Condition of stay that JD pursues appeal in expeditious manner: s 8(3) |
|
|
3. Court can make other orders, including security for costs: s 8(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
§ Consider seeking discretionary stay of enforcement. Note: It may be that local proceedings still underway may amount to a sum available to pay or be set off against the judgment debt. See Lewis v Lamb [2004] NSWSC 322. |
|
|
(c) Other steps for Judgment Debtor |
|
|
§ Consider application to pay by instalments – See UCPR Pt 37 |
|
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) Power to decide |
|
|
§ Uncontested in Chambers: Registrar has delegation to order that a foreign judgment be registered under s 6 FJA but only where a request has been added under UCPR 53.2(4). See Part 3, item 1 of “Delegation to Registrars under section 13 of the Civil Procedure Act 2005” last updated 14 October 2007 – here. |
|
|
§ Uncontested, Contested: Associate Justice: UCPR 1.10A plus SCR Pt 60 r 1A + SCR Schedule D, Part 1, Column 1 (as to ss. 6, 7, 8, 9 FJA). Note: If the request under UCPR 53.2(4) is not made, you must go to an Associate Justice. |
|
|
(b) Form of Order |
|
|
§ As per Minute of Order – see section ‘B’. |
|
Note: Failure to register a foreign judgment to which the FJA applies is a bar to enforcement. s. 10 FJA
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) In NSW, Judgment Registered in NSW – UCPR 53.8 |
|
|
Note: A registered foreign judgment is treated the same as a NSW judgment: UCPR 52.8(1) |
|
|
1. Judgment Creditor must first file an affidavit of service of the Notice of Registration or must otherwise satisfy the court that service has been fulfilled: UCPR 53.8(2) |
|
|
§ Can’t take any step to enforce (without leave of the court) while Notice period still running or after notice of motion to set aside is filed and until it is determined: UCPR 53.8(3) Note: To same effect, s 6(10) FJA |
|
|
2. Proceed to enforce judgment per UCPR Pt 39. |
|
|
Example – Bankruptcy / Insolvency |
|
|
§ Can use judgment to apply for Bankruptcy Notice. See: Re a Judgment Debtor (No 2176 of 1938) [1939] Ch 601; Re Linley [1951] VLR 319; Re McGilvray; Ex parte
Foreign Commerce Bank Inc (1986) 66 ALR 181; New Zealand Breweries Ltd v Singh [2010] FMCA 260. § Can use judgment to apply for administration of estate by trustee in Bankruptcy. See: The Society of Lloyd’s v Marich (2004) 139 FCR 560; [2004] FCA 1502. § Can use judgment as basis for statutory demand, even if not yet complied with Pt 59A r 9 procedural steps (debt not enforceable but is due and payable). See: MEC Import Sales Pty Ltd v Iozzelli SRL (1998) 29 ACSR 229; (1998) 16 ACLC 1617; [1998] VSC 76; BC9805378. Statutory demands can be in foreign currency: Daewoo Australia Pty Ltd v Suncorp Metway Ltd (2000) 48 NSWLR 692 at 704; [2000] NSWSC 35. |
|
|
|
|
|
§ See Part III below § See the relevant local Rules (see Section ‘P’ of this Guide for a list of relevant inter-State rules) |
|
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) Statutory Demands – Corporations Act 2001, Pt 5.4, Divs. 1-3 |
|
|
§ Section 10 FJA does not preclude reliance upon a foreign judgment as a basis for the service of a statutory demand (only deals with ‘recovery’ not recognition). See: Standard Commodities Pty Ltd v Société Socinter départment Centragel [2005] NSWSC 294 (Barrett J) at [10]. JD then gets presumption of insolvency and right to participate in the winding up. NOTE: Common law defences to recognition will still be available. |
|
|
(b) Bankruptcy Notice – Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth), Pt IV, Div 1; Bankruptcy Regulations 1966 (Cth), Pt IV, Div 1 |
|
|
§ Issue of Bankruptcy Notice is not a form of execution. Re A Bankruptcy Notice [1898] 1 QB 383 at 387 [so, s 10(1) FJA not triggered]. § Where a judgment or order is expressed in an amount of foreign currency (whether or not it is also expressed in Australian dollars), the bankruptcy notice must contain a statement in accordance with reg 4.04(2)(a) and set out the matters in reg 4.04(2)(b). NOTE: Common law defences to recognition will still be available. |
|
WARNING: There is considerable case law affecting each of the issues below. The below is thus only a guide to potential issues. You should seek advice or conduct further research before coming to a view in respect of each issue.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
(a) Did the foreign court have personal jurisdiction? |
|
|
Note: Any of these may be sufficient. |
|
|
1. Was the Judgment Debtor (JD) present at the time of service: |
|
|
(a) Natural persons: Present in foreign jurisdiction at time of service? Note: Not if forced or tricked into entering the jurisdiction. Note: Some authority that ordinary residence or domicile at time of service might suffice. |
|
|
(b) Corporations: Did the corporation have a fixed place of business (‘branch’ or ‘agency’) from which the business of the company is done for more than a minimal period of time? See: Adams v Cape Industries Plc [1990] Ch 433 at 530 (CA). |
|
|
2. Was the JD domiciled or ordinarily resident in the jurisdiction? |
|
|
3. Did the JD submit to the jurisdiction of the foreign court? |
|
|
(a) By prior agreement (e.g. jurisdiction clause in a contract) |
|
|
(b) By voluntary appearance to the contest merits, but not merely: (i) To contest jurisdiction; (ii) To argue discretionary exercise of jurisdiction (i.e. to decline); (iii) To defend property seized/restrained or threatened with same. See s. 11 FJA. |
|
|
4. OR, is it a judgment in rem where the property was in the jurisdiction of the foreign court? |
|
(b) Is the judgment ‘final and conclusive’? |
|
|
1. Is it final? Note: Final even if subject of actual or potential appeal. Not final if it can be varied by the same court which issued it (e.g. child support). Some contested interlocutory issues too. Is final if default judgment, even if can be set aside by application of defendant. See Ainslie v Ainslie (1927) 39 CLR 381. Seek advice on foreign procedure and common law rules before proceeding. |
|
|
2. It is conclusive? – Must be a decision on the merits. Note: Must be determined on the merits of the action: The Sennar [1985] 2 All ER 104 (HL). |
|
(c) Is the judgment for a fixed sum of money [enforcement only]? |
|
|
As for FJA. Can be a formula. |
|
(d) Are the parties the same and in the same interest? |
|
Can be assignee of judgment creditor for enforcement, but not for estoppel claims. |
|
(e) Is the judgment unsatisfied? |
|
The judgment can only be enforced to the extent unsatisfied.See McKain v RW Miller & Co (SA) Pty Ltd [1991] HCA 56; (1991) 174 CLR 1 (HCA) |
|
ISSUE |
Y / N |
(a) Time Bar – s 17 Limitation Act 1969 (NSW) |
|
|
§ To enforce, must act within 12 years after date of foreign judgment. |
|
(b) Where to Commence |
|
|
§ Per monetary or other limits of relevant NSW Courts: |
|
|
- Local Court: $60,000 (ss. 29-30 Local Court Act 2007 (NSW)) |
|
|
- District Court: $750,000 (ss. 3 “jurisdictional limit”, 9, 44 District Court Act 1973 (NSW)) Note: If suing on the cause of action and not in debt, see other jurisdictional limits in District Court, e.g. as to equitable claims. |
|
|
- Supreme Court: Unlimited |
|
(c) How to Commence |
|
|
§ Either: |
|
|
(a) Summons, if suing on it as a debt or common money count (indebitatus assumpsit) See: RDCW Diamonds Pty Ltd v Da Gloria [2006] NSWSC 450; Norsemeter Holding AS v Pieter Boele [No.1] [2002] NSWSC 370 (Summons, and Motion for Summary Judgment) (rev’d on appeal – Boele v Norsemeter Holding AS [2002] NSWCA 363). |
|
|
(b) Summons or Statement of Claim if suing on cause of action Note: If want better damages than in foreign court, could sue again in NSW. Note: See UCPR 6.2-4 as to whether to use Summons or Statement of Claim. |
|
Note: There is extensive case
law in relation to each of these issues. Conduct further research or seek
advice.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
§ Did the foreign court lack jurisdiction? (see Section ‘K’ above) |
|
|
§ Was the judgment procured by fraud by Judgment Creditor or of the foreign court? Note: Can be argued even if could have but did not, or even if did, argue fraud in the merits hearing in the foreign proceedings. Cannot be argued if an attempt was made to set aside the foreign judgment on grounds of fraud in the foreign jurisdiction. |
|
|
§ Is the judgment contrary to Australian public policy? |
|
|
§ Did the foreign court act contrary to natural justice? |
|
|
§ Was the foreign judgment penal or for a revenue debt? Note: This is a complex area. See Nygh & Davies, Conflict of Laws in Australia (7 ed, 2002), Ch 18. |
|
|
§ Is the judgment estopped by an earlier inconsistent judgment in NSW (including foreign judgment registered earlier)? |
|
|
§ Has the Cth A-G issued a certificate under the Foreign Proceedings (Excess Of Jurisdiction) Act 1984 (Cth) – s 9 [see section ‘E’ above] |
|
Note: This section covers NSW judgments being recognised and enforced interstate, and interstate judgments being recognised and enforced in NSW.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) Recognition |
|
|
Notes § State judgments may be entitled to full faith & credit: s 118 Constitution. § State and Territory judgments get recognition through s 185 Evidence Act 1995 (Cth). |
|
|
(b) Enforcement: Is it a judgment to which Part 6, Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 (Cth) (SEPA) relates? |
|
|
1. Is it a ‘judgment’ – see s 3 SEPA: |
|
|
- Both money judgments & orders [Note: No need to be ‘final’] |
|
|
- In civil proceedings, including compensation orders in criminal proceedings but not forfeiture orders (bail, proceeds of crime) |
|
|
- In criminal proceedings where debt due to the State [not fines, but see below] forfeiture of bail |
|
|
- Of adjudicative tribunal decisions enforceable without court order (e.g. tenancy, consumer, trade, land rights tribunals etc.) |
|
|
- Foreign judgments registered under the FJA |
|
|
2. Is it an excluded judgment – see s 3 SEPA? |
|
|
- Foreign judgment registered other than under the FJA |
|
|
- Fines |
|
|
- Grant of probate, letters of administration etc. |
|
|
- Guardianship of mentally ill persons or management of property |
|
|
- Care, control and welfare of child orders |
|
|
- Orders the contravention of which is punishable as an offence |
|
|
(c) Registration Procedure – ss 104-105 SEPA |
|
|
1. Obtain a sealed copy of the judgment |
|
|
2A. Lodge a sealed copy with prothonotary, registrar or other proper officer of relevant court; OR |
|
|
2B. Fax a sealed copy (and lodge sealed copy within 7 days) to same. Note: If you don’t lodge (and only fax), you can’t enforce until you do lodge. |
|
|
§ Loses all enforceability once original Australian court loses power to enforce the judgment (e.g. appeal, variation of orders etc.). |
|
|
3. Enforcement as per relevant State / Territory Court rules. |
|
|
(d) Setting aside registration – s 109 SEPA |
|
|
§ If Australian judgment, only if incapable of registration under Part 6. |
|
|
§ If a foreign judgment, per the FJA. See section ‘E’ above |
|
|
§ Otherwise, can’t use common law rules etc. to set aside: s 109. Go back to original court / tribunal issuing. |
|
|
(e) Staying enforcement – s 106 SEPA |
|
|
Note: Similar principles and rules to s 8 FJA. 1. If to appeal or set aside or vary original judgment in the interstate court or tribunal, can seek a stay of enforcement: - Until a specified time - For a particular period |
|
|
2. Order must be made on condition that JD make and prosecute application within specified time and in an expeditious manner: 106(2) |
|
|
3. Court can make other orders, including security for costs: s 106(3) |
|
|
(e) Further enforcement in NSW – s 107 SEPA, SCR Pt 71A r 6-7 |
|
|
3. Enforceability Affidavit: Must file affidavit in interstate enforcement proceedings, not more than 14 days before the application, setting out: |
|
|
- That the judgment is capable of being enforced; and |
|
|
- Extent to which judgment is capable of being enforced, in or by the court of rendition (the foreign court) or a court in the place of rendition. |
|
|
4. Cost Recovery Affidavit: By Affidavit, setting out - Particulars of costs and expenses claimed - Basis upon which the costs and expenses are claimed. Note: Can recover (s 107 SEPA) - reasonable costs and expenses of, and incidental to, obtaining and lodging the copy of the judgment; - costs and expenses reasonably incurred in attempting to execute the judgment in the court of rendition or in another State. |
|
|
3A. Service – NSW: No requirement to serve affidavits above, and Court can assess costs in absence of public and without JD: SCR Pt 71A r 7 |
|
|
3B. Service - Other States: See rules in relevant State – section ‘T’. |
|
Note: See Section ‘U’ below for resources on international registration and enforcement.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
Outside Australia – See foreign law – Certificate |
|
|
§ May need a certificate. See certificate available under s 15 FJA. Note: Registrar has a delegation to issue such a certificate. See Part 3, item 1 of “Delegation to Registrars under section 13 of the Civil Procedure Act 2005” last updated 14 October 2007 – here. |
|
|
§ Must be a “judgment” within the meaning of the FJA (see s 3). |
|
|
§ Registrar must issue: (a) Certified copy of judgment (b) Certificate as to causes of action to which it relates and rate of interest payable. |
|
Note: Where an arbitral award enforceable under Parts I or II of the International
Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) is (or becomes) enforceable as a judgment or
order of a court in a country to which the Foreign Judgments Act applies, it is
a foreign judgment to which that Act may apply and can (also) be enforced as a
foreign judgment. See section A(ii)(7) above. In many respects,
however, recognition and enforcement as an award will be easier and less open
to challenge.
ISSUE |
Y / N |
|
(a) Does the 1958 New York Convention apply to the award? |
|
|
If “Yes” to 1, and passing all the other tests, the
Convention applies. If: (a) “No” to 1; or (b) “Yes” to
1, but failing the other tests in 2 to 4, the award may
be governed by the UNCITRAL Model Law (Part III of the IAA) or the common
law. See below. Note: The New York Convention and the Model Law
cannot both apply. If both
would apply, the IAA provides that the Model Law will not apply. See s.
20 IAA. |
|
|
1. Was the award made under an arbitration agreement? Art II; s.3 IAA Note: For the text of the 1958 Convention, see Schedule 1 to the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) (“IAA”) here. |
|
|
- Where “the parties
undertake to submit to arbitration all or any differences which have arisen
or which may arise between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether
contractual or not, concerning a subject matter capable of settlement by
arbitration.” |
|
|
- It must be in writing. Include the following: (a)
Arbitration
agreement signed by both parties (b)
Arbitration
clause in contract signed by both parties (c)
Arbitration
clause or agreement in letter of offer, accepted by letter of acceptance (d)
Arbitration
clause or agreement in letter of offer, accepted by conduct (i.e.
reduced to writing, even if ‘agreement’ not written) See Comandate
Marine Corp v Pan Australia Shipping Pty Ltd [2006] FCAFC 192, Allsop J at
[148]-[156]. |
|
|
2. If “Yes” to 1, was the arbitral award made in the territory of a country other than Australia? Art I; s.3 IAA. |
|
|
- “Made” does not necessarily mean where the tribunal sat, but depends on where the “seat” of the arbitration is located. |
|
|
- Additional application in Art I of Convention to awards otherwise not regarded as domestic awards does not apply in Australia. |
|
|
3. If “Yes” to 2, was that other country a Convention country? Note:
This is the reciprocity reservation provided for in Art I(3). Note: See list of Convention countries and their reservations at website of UNCITRAL at http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/arbitration/NYConvention_status.html. |
|
|
4. If “No” to 3, is the person seeking enforcement at that time domiciled or ordinarily resident in Australia or a Convention country? Note: This is an Australian extension to Article I. |
|
|
(b) Are there any grounds for refusal? Art V, s. 8(3A), (5)-(7) IAA |
|
|
¾
These must be raised and proved by the defendant
to the application for enforcement. However, you should consider them at the
outset. All of the grounds are discretionary. Where pleadings are
involved, the material facts should be pleaded supporting the grounds. ¾
There
is no residual discretion. See s.
8(3A) IAA. This overturns the
contrary suggestion in Resort Condominiums Inc v Lowell and Another [1995]
1 Qd R 406 at [41] |
|
|
1. Incapacity: Was a party the subject of an incapacity at the time the agreement was entered into under the law applicable to it? - NOTE: Typically this is a question for the lex domicilii of a person - the place where they are domiciled, or the place of contracting, with a preference for recognising the agreement as valid. See choice of law discussions in standard texts for capacity of people. For companies, regard should be had to its powers and purposes. |
|
|
2. Invalidity: Was the agreement invalid under its express choice of law or the law of the country where the award was made? |
|
|
3. Procedural Fairness: Was the other party given proper notice of the appointment of the arbitrator or of the arbitration proceedings or was otherwise unable to present his case in the arbitration proceedings? |
|
|
4. Excess of Jurisdiction: Did the award deal with a dispute not contemplated by, or not falling within the terms of, the submission to arbitration, or does it contain a decision on a matter beyond the scope of the submission to arbitration? Note: Can sever these parts: s.8(6) |
|
|
5. Improper composition of panel or procedure: The number qualifications etc. of the panel and its rules of procedure must be in accordance with the agreement or (in substitute) the law of the place where the arbitration took place (i.e. the law of the seat). |
|
|
6. Award not yet or no longer binding: If it is not yet binding, or has been suspended or set aside, by a competent authority in the country of the law of the place where the arbitration was made. |
|
|
7. Subject matter incapable of determination by arbitration: This depends on national law, but can include marriage/divorce, correction of public registers, bankruptcy and insolvency administration, some anti-trust cases, bribery and corruption charges, and some fraud cases. Note: s. 11 Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1991 (Cth) has done away with the rule that ouster by arbitration of the jurisdiction of Australian courts to enforce the Hague-Visby rules is no longer a problem but only if the arbitration takes place in Australia. |
|
|
8. Contrary to public policy: Enforcement may be contrary to public
policy. Note: s.
8(7A) provides that, without limitation, the enforcement of a foreign
award would be contrary to public policy if (a) the making of the award
was induced or affected by fraud or corruption; or (b) a breach of the
rules of natural justice occurred in connection with the making of the award.
|
|
|
(c) Are there any grounds for a stay? s.8(8) |
|
|
If an application has been made to set aside or suspend the award in a court/tribunal in the country where the award was made or the country of the law under which it was made, the Australian court can adjourn the proceedings (or so much as relates to the award) and may order security on the application of the party seeking enforcement. |
|
|
(d) Recognition of the Arbitral Award |
|
|
§ An award to which Part II applies is binding on all parties to the arbitration agreement, by virtue of the IAA: s. 8(1). § As such, it can be pleaded as an element of a claim or defence. § Pleadings should plead the agreement, the award, that the award is binding on the parties (particularising by reference to s. 8(1) IAA), and the effect of the award on the pleaded case. The defences to enforcement (set out above) apply as defences to recognition as well, and should be pleaded in response to reliance on the foreign award. |
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|
(f) Enforcement: When to commence |
|
|
§ Statutes of Limitation: The authority of an award is at heart contractual. Accordingly, normal contractual limitations apply to breaches of contract arising from a failure to perform the terms of an award, whether under seal (i.e. a deed or ‘specialty’), typically 12 years, or not, typically 6 years. The States including NSW have special provisions reflecting this. |
|
|
§ NSW: By s.20(2) Limitation Act 1969 (NSW), the time period is: (a)
where
the award is made under an arbitration
agreement and the arbitration
agreement is made by deed-twelve
years, and (b) in any other case-six years. § Other states: To same effect see following (links to Austlii): ¾ ACT: s. 17 Limitation Act 1985 ¾ Vic: s. 5(1), (3) Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (15 yrs for deed) ¾ NT: s. 18 Limitation Act [from NT Gov’t website, 11 Mar 08] ¾ Qld: s. 10(1), (3) Limitation of Actions Act 1974 ¾ SA: ss. 34-35 Limitation of Actions Act (15 years for deed) ¾ Tas: s. 10(1), (3) Limitation of Actions Act 1974 ¾ WA: ss.13, 18 Limitation of Actions Act 2005 Cf ss.54, 58, 63-4 § Federal Court: Apply law in State or Territory where
suing by s. 79 Judiciary
Act 1903 (Cth). Note:
Time runs from the first default for which enforcement is sought:
s.20(3). See Hallen v Angledal [1999]
NSWSC 552. |
|
|
(f) Enforcement: Where to commence |
|
|
§ Federal Court: By s.13 IAA, matters under Part II including interpretation of the Convention are deemed NOT to be matters arising under a treaty for the purposes of s. 38 Judiciary Act 1903 (Cth). As such, there is no exclusive jurisdiction vested in the High Court. However, it is a matter arising under a law made by the Commonwealth Parliament, so it is within the original jurisdiction of the Federal Court under s. 39B(1A)(c) of that Act. As such, you can enforce in the Federal Court as well. § Supreme Court: Under s. 8(2) IAA, it may be commenced in any State court as if made in that State. See s. 3 IAA “court”. Note: Enforcement under NSW law (s. 33 Commercial
Arbitration Act 1984 (NSW)) requires leave of the Supreme Court
(see s. 4 CAA, “the Court”) unless the arbitration agreement specifically
gives jurisdiction to the District Court or Local Court (which an agreement
for foreign arbitration almost certainly would not). However, the IAA now
‘covers the field’ for international commercial arbitration in Australia if
the Model Law applies: s.
21 IAA. |
|
|
(g) How to commence in NSW |
|
|
By summons in the Commercial List / Technology and Construction List of the Equity Division (UCPR Form 4A or 4B): Note: Enforcement of awards was once a matter for the Commercial Division, whose work was transferred to the Equity Division, Commercial List, in 1998. If the arbitration relates to construction or technology matters, it would be most appropriate to file the summons in the Technology and Construction List. This also requires a List Statement. Note: Filing fees are high in this list. See here. |
|
|
(i) Orders on the face of the Summons Note: On Form, the “Type of claim” is “Applications under specific Commonwealth Acts” |
|
|
1. An order under s. 8(2) of the International
Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) [and s. 33(1) of the Commercial Arbitration
Act 1984 (NSW)**] that the plaintiff be granted leave to enforce an award
dated [date of award] published and notified to the parties by [name
of arbitrator]. ** Note:
Delete the text in brackets when using this form of order because you are
referred here from section
O(d) below (i.e. when using the text for an application to recognise
and/or and enforce a foreign award to which the Model Law applies. This is because where the Model Law
applies, it covers the field to the exclusion of State law. See s.
21 IAA. |
|
|
2. An order that judgment be entered against the defendant(s) in terms that: [set out the terms of the award by the arbitrator]. |
|
|
(ii) List Statement accompanying Use Form 1 For the contents of List Statement, see Annexure 1 to Practice Note No. SC Eq 3 here. |
|
|
(1) ‘Nature of Dispute’ section of form The enforcement of an award dated [date of award] published and notified to the parties by [name of arbitrator]. |
|
|
(2) ‘Issues Likely to Arise’ section of form Whether the plaintiff ought to be granted leave to enforce the award as a judgment or order of the court and to enter judgment against the defendant in terms of the award. |
|
|
(3) ‘Plaintiff’s contentions’ section of form 1. On [date(s) of arbitration], [name of arbitrator] heard disputes between the parties as arbitrator appointed pursuant to and under the terms of the [set out relevant governing law]. 2. On [date of publication and notification of award] the arbitrator published and notified the parties of the award in the arbitration dated [date of award]. 3. The defendant has [set out failure to comply with award]. 4. By reason of the defendant’s failure to satisfy and comply with the terms of the award, the plaintiff should be granted leave to enforce the award as a judgment of the court and for judgment to be entered in terms of the award. |
|
|
(4) ‘Questions appropriate for referral’ section of form Nil. [or, “There are no questions appropriate for referral in these proceedings.”] |
|
|
(5) ‘Mediation’ section of form The parties [have/have not] attempted to mediate and the plaintiff is [willing/unwilling] to mediate at an appropriate time. |
|
|
§ Pay the filing fee: $1,566.00 individuals; $3,132.00 corporations. For current Supreme Court fees and charges, see here. |
|
|
(h) How to commence in the Federal Court |
|
|
§ Application: Use Form 5. |
|
|
§ Pay the filing fee: $735.00 individuals; $1,762.00 corporations. For current Federal Court fees and charges, see here. |
|
|
(i) Evidence - s. 9 IAA |
|
|
Note: You should serve an affidavit with the summons (NSW) / application (FCA) so as to expedite enforcement. |
|
|
1. Duly authenticated original award or a duly certified copy. |
|
|
2. The original arbitration agreement under which the award purports to have been made or a duly certified copy. Notes: Due authentication or certification is satisfied under s. 9(2) if it purports to have been authenticated or certified, as the case may be, by the arbitrator or, where the arbitrator is a tribunal, by an officer of that tribunal, or it has been otherwise authenticated or certified to the satisfaction of the court. |
|
|
Note: 1 and 2 above. A translation of any necessary documents. Note: if the award or a document (e.g. the arbitration agreement) is in a foreign language, a translation must obtained into English of the document or the part: s. 9(3). It must be certified to be a correct translation.” This requires either a consular or diplomatic agent in Australia of the foreign country to certify it (s.9(4)) or it must be proved accurate to the satisfaction of the court. The latter would require an expert (translator) to give a report in the usual form for expert reports including acknowledging the Expert Code of Conduct (Sch 7 UCPR) or the Guidelines for Expert Witnesses in Proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia issued on 11 April 2007, and complying with the usual evidentiary rules for experts. |
|
|
3. Proof that place where arbitration is made is a Convention Country. Note: Download and annex to the list of parties from the website of UNCITRAL at http://www.uncitral.org/uncitral/en/uncitral_texts/arbitration/NYConvention_status.html. Note any reservations. The only alternative to this is a certificate signed by the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs. See s. 10(1) IAA. |
|
|
Note on Currency. The foreign award will likely be in another currency than Australian dollars. A judgment can be entered by an Australian court in foreign currency. |
|
|
(a) Does the Model Law (Part III IAA) apply? |
|
|
UNCITRAL Model Law has the force of law in Australia: s. 16 IAA Note: For the text of the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (as adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on 21 June 1985, and as amended by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on 7 July 2006) , see Schedule 2 to the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) (“IAA”) here. |
|
|
1. Does the New York Convention (Part II of IAA) apply? If Yes,
go to section ‘N’ above. Model Law does not apply. See s.
20 IAA. |
|
|
2. Was the award made pursuant to an arbitration agreement? Art 7 |
|
|
- Australia chose Option 1 of the two definitions in the amended Model Law - It is “an agreement by the parties to submit to arbitration all or certain disputes which have arisen or which may arise between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether contractual or not. An arbitration agreement may be in the form of an arbitration clause in a contract or in the form of a separate agreement” |
|
|
- It must be in writing. First, see above for New York Convention. Note: Art 7 extends the definition of ‘in
writing’ through examples, covering the circumstances mentioned by Allsop J in Comandate Marine Corp v Pan
Australia Shipping Pty Ltd [2006]
FCAFC 192, at [148]-[156]. - An arbitration agreement is in writing if its content is recorded in any form, whether or not the arbitration agreement or contract has been concluded orally, by conduct, or by other means: Art 7(3) - The reference in a contract to any document containing an arbitration clause constitutes an arbitration agreement in writing, provided that the reference is such as to make that clause part of the contract: Art 7(6) - The requirement that an arbitration agreement be in writing is met by an electronic communication if the information contained therein is accessible so as to be useable for subsequent reference; “electronic communication” means any communication that the parties make by means of data messages; “data message” means information generated, sent, received or stored by electronic, magnetic, optical or similar means, including, but not limited to, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic mail, telegram, telex or telecopy: Art 7(4) - An arbitration agreement is in writing if it is contained in an exchange of statements of claim and defence in which the existence of an agreement is alleged by one party and not denied by the other. Art 7(5) |
|
|
3. If “Yes” to 2, was the award made in international commercial arbitration? Art 1(3) [Note: A ‘Yes’ to any of (a) to (d) will suffice] |
|
|
(a) Parties in different States: Do the parties to the agreement have, at the time of the conclusion of that agreement, their places of business in different States? Note: Pursuant to Art 1(4), if a party has more than one place of business, the place of business is that which has the closest relationship to the arbitration agreement; and if a party does not have a place of business [e.g. natural person], reference is to be made to his habitual residence. |
|
|
(b) Arbitration is in a third State, different to the State of the parties’ place of business: Is the place (seat) of the arbitration in a third state, as determined in or pursuant to the agreement? (Art 1(3)(b)(i)) |
|
|
(c) Place or performance in Third State: Is a substantial part of the obligations to be performed or the place with which the subject-matter of the dispute is most closely connected, in a third state? (Art 1(3)(b)(ii)) |
|
|
(d) Agreement it relates to a Third State: Have the parties expressly agreed that the subject-matter of the arbitration agreement relates to more than one country? (Art 1(3)(c)) |
|
|
4. If “Yes” to 2 and 3, was the award made
in international commercial arbitration? Art 1(3) Note: According to the note to the Convention, “The term “commercial” should be given a wide interpretation so as to cover matters arising from all relationships of a commercial nature, whether contractual or not. Relationships of a commercial nature include, but are not limited to, the following transactions: any trade transaction for the supply or exchange of goods or services; distribution agreement; commercial representation or agency; factoring; leasing; construction of works; consulting; engineering; licensing; investment; financing; banking; insurance; exploitation agreement or concession; joint venture and other forms of industrial or business co-operation; carriage of goods or passengers by air, sea, rail or road.” According to Art 2, “arbitration” means any arbitration whether or not administered by a permanent arbitral institution, and “arbitral tribunal” means a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators. |
|
|
If “No” to 2 or all of 3(a)-(d) or 4, the Model Law does not apply. If “Yes” to 2 and any one of 3(a)-(d) and 4, the Model Law applies, subject to 5. |
|
|
5. Have the parties agreed in writing to settle their disputes otherwise than in accordance with the Model Law? If “Yes”, the Model Law does not apply. s. 21 IAA. |
|
|
(b) Are there any grounds for refusal? Art 36 |
|
|
As for New York Convention. See above. ¾
There
is no residual discretion. See s.
8(3A) IAA. ¾
Note
that s.
19 IAA provides that awards affected by fraud or corruption, or in which
there has been a denial of natural justice, are contrary to public policy and
may be refused recognition and enforcement. |
|
|
(c) Where to commence (NSW, FCA) |
|
|
As for 1958
New York Convention. |
|
|
(d) How to commence (NSW, FCA) |
|
|
As for 1958 New York Convention. |
|
|
(e) Evidence |
|
|
As for 1958 New York Convention. See Art 35 for contents. |
|
|
Special Provisions of Note if Model Law applies to the arbitration itself |
|
|
¾ s.20: Scope: If Part II (New York Convention) applies, do not use Model Law. |
|
|
¾ s.25: Interest may be awarded from the date cause of action accrued until the date of the award (unless parties agree otherwise in writing – see s. 22(2) IAA) at a reasonable rate. |
|
|
¾ s.26: Interest may be awarded from award onwards (unless parties agree otherwise in writing– see s. 22(2) IAA) at a reasonable rate. |
|
|
¾ s.27: Costs awards are in the discretion of the arbitrator (unless the parties agree otherwise in writing– see s. 22(2) IAA). |
|
·
Recognition
and Enforcement: According
classic conflict of laws rules, a foreign arbitration award is enforceable at
common law, or capable of being a defence to a claim, if the award is made:
(a)
in accordance
with an arbitration agreement that is valid by its applicable law; and
(b)
valid
and final according to the law governing the arbitration proceedings (the lex
arbitrationis).
See Norske Atlas Ins. Co Ltd v London
General Insurance Co Ltd (1927) 43 TLR 541, 542.
·
Defences: At common law, the defences to
recognition and enforcement of a foreign award that is final and valid (perhaps
because of limitations in the lex arbitri), and the subject of a valid
arbitration agreement, are:
(a)
that
under the arbitration agreement and the lex arbitri the arbitrators had
no jurisdiction to make the award. It is for the party seeking
enforcement to demonstrate that award itself was within the terms of the
agreement to submit it to jurisdiction;
(b)
that
the award was obtained by fraud;
(c)
that
recognition and enforcement would be contrary to public policy; or
(d)
breach
of natural justice.
See Rule 61, Dicey & Morris (13
ed), p 628.
·
How
to Commence: By statement
of claim. See the precedent pleadings within the Commercial List
Statement in subsection N.(g)(ii)(3) above as a guide.
(a)
International Arbitrations within s. 7 IAA
and stay of local proceedings
§
Section
7 IAA provides a mechanism to enforce an (international) arbitration
agreement by preventing the continuation of proceedings in an Australia court
falling within (or partly within) the scope of the arbitration agreement. This
gives effect to Australia’s obligations under Article II(3) of the 1958
New York Convention, and reflects the force of law given to Art 8(1) of the
UNCITRAL
Model Law (which is in the same terms).
§
Section
7(2) provides that the court must stay local proceedings (on such conditions
as it thinks fit) in whole or in relevant part, and refer the parties to
arbitration where:
(a)
proceedings instituted by a party to an arbitration
agreement to which this section applies against another party to the
agreement are pending in a court;
and
(b) the proceedings [or part thereof]
involve the determination of a matter that, in pursuance of the agreement, is
capable of settlement by arbitration
§
The
section applies by s. 7(1) in any of the following circumstances, which
cover both the NY Convention and the Model Law:
¾ The procedure in relation to arbitration
under an arbitration
agreement is governed, whether by virtue of the express terms of the
agreement or otherwise, by the law of a [1958 New York] Convention country.
¾ The procedure in relation to arbitration
under an arbitration
agreement is governed, whether by virtue of the express terms of the
agreement or otherwise, by the law of a country not being Australia
or a [1958 New York] Convention country,
and a party to the agreement is Australia
or a State
or a person who was, at the time when the agreement was made, domiciled or
ordinarily resident in Australia.
¾ A party to an arbitration
agreement is the Government of a [1958 New York] Convention
country
or of part of a Convention country
or the Government of a territory of a Convention country,
being a territory to which the Convention
extends.
¾ A party to an arbitration
agreement is a person who was, at the time when the agreement was
made, domiciled or ordinarily resident in a country that is a [1958 New York] Convention country.
§
The
order is not made if the arbitration
agreement is null and void, inoperative or incapable of being
performed: s. 7(5).
§
There
is considerable case law on this section. See in particular the decision
of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia in Comandate
Marine Corp v Pan Australia Shipping Pty Ltd [2006] FCAFC 192 (20 December
2006).
(b)
International Arbitrations not within s. 7
IAA and stay of local proceedings
§
These
can be stayed, as with domestic arbitrations, by using the Uniform Commercial
Arbitrations Act (e.g s.
53 NSW Act).
§
The
relevant State or Territory Act applies to Federal Court proceedings in that
State or Territory through s. 79 Judiciary
Act 1903 (Cth).
(c)
International Arbitrations where there are
foreign proceedings and a local defendant
§
An
arbitration agreement can be enforced through an anti-suit injunction.
See The Angelic Grace [1995] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 87 (EWCA); The Front Comor
[2005] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 257. Cf. Comandate
Marine Corp v Pan Australia Shipping Pty Ltd [2006] FCAFC
192; Timoney Technology Limited Anor
v ADI Limited [2007] VSC 402.
§ Conflict of Laws (Australia)
§ Conflict of Laws (UK)
L Collins (Gen Ed), Dicey & Morris’ The Conflict of Laws (14 ed, 2006) plus cumulative supplements.
§ Foreign Judgment and Res Judicata
P Barnett, Res Judicata, Estoppel and Foreign Judgments: The Preclusive Effects of Foreign Judgments in Private International Law (OUP, 2001).
§ FCA – Federal Court Rules, O 74.
§ Qld – Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999, Ch 20A
§ Vic – Supreme Court (Miscellaneous Civil Proceedings) Rules 1998, O 11[1]
§ Tas – Supreme Court Rules 2000, Pt 28
§ WA – Rules of the Supreme Court 1971, O 44
§ SA – Supreme Court Civil Rules 2006 (in force 4 Sep 06)
§ NT – Supreme Court Rules, Ch 9
§ ACT – Civil Procedure Rules 2006, Part 3.8 (rr 3470-3483)
P Hopkins (ed), International Enforcement of Judgments (Lulu Press, 2006)
Note: SCR forms 69A and 69B should be adopted into UCPR format. As such, use the general UCPR Form 01, using the content of the SCR form.
Form 69A (with completion)
(Pt 59A r 5)
ORDER
THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
1. The judgment dated (date) of the (court) by which it was adjudged that (name) pay money to (name) (or state shortly the terms of and identify the judgment) be registered under Part 2 of the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 of the Commonwealth for:
(a) (specify the terms of the judgment that are to be registered and, where a sum of money is payable under a term, include the sum of (amount));
(b) (where, by the law of the country of the original court, interest becomes due under the judgment, specify amount of interest that will become due up to time of registration or how interest is to be calculated);
(c) the costs of and incidental to the application for this order and of registration of the judgment.
2. (name) may, within .... days after service upon him of notice of registration, apply to set aside the registration;
(if the terms of the judgment to be registered are enforceable in full
3. the judgment may be enforced to the full extent of the terms that are to be registered.)
[otherwise
3. (specify extent to which judgment may be enforced);
(if applicable
4. the judgment may also be enforced for the interest and costs for which judgment is registered.)]
Ordered 7 May 20__ and entered 11 May 20__.
(Judge), (or Master), (or by the Court
Registrar (or Chief Clerk)
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF JUDGMENT
To: (name)
1. The judgment of (here follow the terms of the order) has been registered in this Court under Part 2 of the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 of the Commonwealth for:
(a) (specify the terms of the judgment that have been registered and, where a sum of money is payable under a term, include the sum of (amount));
(b) (where applicable interest of (amount));
(c) costs of (amount).
2. the
judgment may be enforced to the full extent of the terms that are registered
(or specify extent to which judgment may be enforced).
3. You may, within .... days after the service of this notice upon you, file notice of motion to set aside the registration.
(If applicable and see Part 59A rule 7 (4),
4. The address for service of the above plaintiff, the judgment creditor, is (address).)
Dated:
__________________________
Solicitor for the Plaintiff
Item 1 – Superior Courts listed in Schedule to Foreign Judgments Regulations 1992 (Regulation 5)
|
Item |
Country |
Courts |
|
1 |
New Zealand |
Court of Appeal |
|
1A |
Province of Alberta, Canada |
Supreme Court of Canada |
|
2 |
Bahamas, The Commonwealth of the |
Court of Appeal |
|
3 |
Province of British Columbia, Canada |
Supreme Court of Canada |
|
4 |
British Virgin Islands |
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court |
|
5 |
Cayman Islands |
Grand Court |
|
6 |
Dominica, |
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court |
|
7 |
Falkland Islands |
Court of Appeal |
|
8 |
Fiji, Republic of |
Supreme Court |
|
9 |
France (French Republic) |
Cour de Cassation |
|
10 |
Germany, Federal |
Bundesgerichtshof |
|
11 |
Gibraltar |
Court of Appeal |
|
12 |
Grenada |
Supreme Court (consisting of the: |
|
13 |
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, The |
Court of Final Appeal |
|
14 |
Israel, State of |
Supreme Court |
|
15 |
Italy (Italian Republic) |
Corte Suprema di Cassazione |
|
16 |
Japan |
Supreme Court |
|
16A |
Korea, Republic of |
Supreme Court Appellate Courts District Courts Family Court Patent Court Administrative Court |
|
16B |
Malawi |
High Court Supreme Court |
|
17 |
Province of Manitoba, Canada |
Court of the Queen’s Bench of Manitoba |
|
18 |
Montserrat |
Privy Council |
|
19 |
Papua New Guinea |
Supreme Court of Justice National Court of Justice |
|
19A |
Poland, Republic of |
Supreme Court |
|
20 |
St Helena |
Supreme Court |
|
21 |
St Kitts and Nevis, Federation of |
Privy Council |
|
22 |
St Vincent and the Grenadines |
Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of the: |
|
23 |
Seychelles, Republic of |
Court of Appeal |
|
24 |
Singapore, Republic of |
Privy Council: in respect of orders made on appeals from the Singapore Supreme Court and filed with the Court of Appeal of Singapore Supreme Court of Singapore (consisting of the: Court of Appeal; High Court) |
|
25 |
Solomon Islands |
Court of Appeal |
|
25A |
Sri Lanka |
Supreme Court |
|
25AA |
Switzerland |
Bundesgericht |
|
25AB |
Taiwan |
Supreme Court |
|
25B |
Tonga |
Court of Appeal |
|
26 |
Tuvalu |
Court of Appeal |
|
27 |
United Kingdom, The |
House of Lords |
|
28 |
Western Samoa |
Court of Appeal |
Note The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is constituted by Statutory Instrument 1967 No. 223, as amended by Statutory Instrument 1983 No. 1108, of the United Kingdom. The Court is differently described in the usage of the countries mentioned in the Schedule in relation to which it is listed as a superior court. The description used by each of those countries is set out in column 3 of the relevant item in the Schedule.
Item 2 – Inferior Courts in Reg 5, Foreign Judgments Regulations 1992
5 Specified inferior courts
(1) Part 2 of the Act extends in relation to each District Court of New Zealand.
(2) Part 2 of the Act extends in relation to the following inferior courts of the United Kingdom:
(a) County Courts (England and Wales);
(b) County Courts (Northern Ireland);
(c) Sheriff Courts (Scotland).
(3) Part 2 of the Act extends in relation to the following inferior courts of Canada:
(a) the Provincial Court of Alberta;
(b) the Provincial Court of British Columbia;
(c) the Provincial Court of Manitoba.
(4) Part 2 of the Act extends in relation to the following inferior courts of Switzerland:
(a) Bezirksgerichte;
(b) Erstinstanzliche Gerichte;
(c) Arbeitsgerichte;
(d) Mietgerichte.
(6) Part 2 of the Act extends in relation to each District Court of the Republic of Poland.
Item 1 – Affidavit in support of
Application for Registration under the FJA – NSW (UCPR 53.2)
|
[In form appropriate to registering jurisdiction] [Remember that parties are the Judgment Creditor and the
Judgment Debtor – UCPR 53.2] On the [Day] of [Month], 2xxx, I, [Name], [Solicitor etc.] of [professional address] affirm / make oath and say:–
1. I affirm/swear** this affidavit for the purposes of UCPR Pt 53.3 in support of the application by the Judgment Creditor to register a foreign judgment under s 6 of the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) (the “Act”). UCPR 53.3(1)(a), (c) – Verified
Copy of Judgments and Identification of parts 2. Exhibited to me and marked “[ABC]-1” is judgment of the [name of court] (the “Foreign Court”), a court of [country of judgment] dated [date] that I am informed and verily believe is certified by [e.g. the registrar of the court] (the “Judgment”). 3. Exhibited to me and marked “[ABC]-2” is a translation of the Judgment, certified by a notary public.** Alternatively, a separate affidavit will
be needed from an expert translator. The person should be suitably
qualified, should describe their qualifications in the affidavit, and exhibit
the Judgment and a translation of it… I refer also
to the affidavit of [name of translator] affirmed/sworn** on [date].** 4. The Judgment arose from proceedings [no. or other identifying name etc. of the foreign proceedings] (the “Foreign Proceedings”). The Foreign Proceedings were between [e.g. XYZ, Inc., widget manufacturer] of [address], the Judgment Creditor, and [name and ACN if any, e.g. ABC Pty Ltd (ACN 123 456 789); or John Albert Smith], widget importer of [address], the Judgment Debtor. 5. The orders of the Judgment for which registration is sought are [identify which orders are to be registered]. UCPR 53.3(1)(d) – Amount Originally Payable 6. The part of the Judgment the subject of this application [is/are] [identity what parts – e.g. ‘orders numbered 1 and 3’]. Accordingly, the Judgment is for a fixed sum of money, namely [###] in accordance with order[s] [####] made by the Foreign Court on [date – orders might be on separate date from judgment date] (the “Judgment Debt”).
Note: If you are seeking to enforce the costs order, it will have to be finalised as well, per the foreign law. If there is a separate judgment for it, you will want to have both the main and costs judgments registered. There is no rule against putting both judgments into the one affidavit.
7. The amount owing under the Judgment as at this date is [insert amount in foreign currency, e.g. GBP 1,000,000]. UCPR 53.3(1)(i) – Interest 8.
Interest was ordered to be paid by order [##] of the
Judgment. 9. I am informed [how? There should be evidence of the foreign interest rates] and verily believe that interest on judgments before the Foreign Court is at the rate of [##%]. 10. The amount of interest which has become due under the Judgment up to the date of this affidavit is [e.g. GBP ###]. 11. The daily amount of interest which, subject to any future payment on account of the judgment, will accrue after the [date of this affidavit / date of this application] is [e.g. GBP ###] per day.
Total Judgment Debt
A. Judgment Debt: [AUD ###]
B. Amounts paid in respect thereof: [(AUD ###)]
C. Interest to date of Application/Affidavit: [AUD ###] _________ D. Total due at date of Application/Affidavit (A+B-C): [AUD ###]
E. Interest accruing daily thereafter: [AUD ###]
UCPR 53.3(1)(e) – Supreme Court is Appropriate Court 13. [example] The Supreme Court of New South Wales is the appropriate court under s. 6(1) of the Act in that the Judgment is a money judgment (being a judgment under which money is payable) which was not given in proceedings in which a matter for determination arises under the Commerce Act 1986 of New Zealand. Accordingly, s. 6(2)(c) of the Act applies and the Supreme Court of New South Wales is the appropriate court under s. 6(1) of the Act. UCPR 53.3(1)(g) –
Plaintiff entitled to enforce the judgment 14. I am informed and verily believe [by who and how? e.g. “by ####, the solicitor for the Judgment Creditor in the Foreign Proceedings”], that [e.g. the Judgment has not been appealed by the Judgment Debtor, and that the Judgment has not been set aside], and so that, as at this date, the Judgment is enforceable in [country]. UCPR 53.3(1)(j) – Non-payment of Judgment 15. The [whole of the*] Judgment Debt and the interest payable upon it is the amount due and payable. I am informed by [insert] and verily believe that [none of the Judgment Debt has been paid / the amount of {insert} only has been paid by the Judgment Debtor to the Judgment Creditor].
UCPR 53.3(1)(h)(ii) –
Registered Judgment not liable to be set aside
16. I have informed myself of the grounds for making an application to set aside the registration of this judgment under s 7 of the Act. Note: Strictly speaking, it should
be sufficient for you and your client to deal with matters that would be
within their knowledge and not to guess at matters that might be raised by
the Judgment Debtor. You should be
able to deal with subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), (i) and
(j)(i)-(ii), mostly from matters already dealt with in this affidavit or on
an information and belief basis.
(a) s. 7(2)(a)(i) – Part 2 of the Act Applies: For the reasons set out above, the Judgment is one to which Part 2 of the Act applies. (b)
s. 7(2)(a)(ii) – Correct
Amount: If registered in the amounts set out in paragraph 12 above, the Judgment will not be registered for an
amount greater than the amount payable under it at the date of registration. (c)
s. 7(2)(a)(iv) –
Jurisdiction: I am informed and verily believe [how and by whom? Usually there
should be evidence from the judgment creditor or his/her/its solicitors in
the foreign proceedings] that the Judgment Debtor:
[submitted to the jurisdiction of the foreign court by {insert how}]**
[the Judgment Debtor was the plaintiff/complainant or a cross-claimant in the Proceedings {identify by reference to judgment or document}]**
[the Judgment Debtor agreed to submit to the jurisdiction of the {court}. Exhibited to me and marked “[ABC]-4” is a copy of a contract dated [date] between the Judgment Creditor and the Judgment Debtor. I refer in particular to clause [number] of that contract.]**
[the Judgment Debtor was resident in the jurisdiction of the [court] at the time of commencement of the proceedings]**
[the Judgment Debtor had its principal place of business in the jurisdiction of the [court] at the time of commencement of the proceedings]** (d)
s. 7(2)(a)(v) – Notice
of the Foreign Proceedings: The Judgment Debtor had sufficient notice of the
Proceedings [insert how you know this, e.g. “as it defended the
proceedings…”]. (e)
s. 7(2)(a)(vi) – No
Fraud: The
Judgment was not obtained by fraud. (f)
s. 7(2)(a)(vii) – Not
appealed / set aside: As at the date of this
affidavit, the Judgment has been
reversed on appeal or otherwise set aside in the courts of the country of the
Foreign Court. (g)
s. 7(2)(a)(ix)-(x) – Not
discharged / wholly satisfied: As at the date of this affidavit, the Judgment has not been discharged
or wholly satisfied. (h)
s. 7(2)(a)(xi) – Not
contrary to public policy: As at the date of this affidavit, there are no facts of which I am aware that would make
registration of the Judgment contrary to public policy. (i)
s. 7(2)(b) – Judgment
already res judicata: The matter in dispute in
the Foreign Proceedings were not, before the date of the Judgment been the
subject of a final and conclusive judgment by a court having jurisdiction in
the matter. (j)
s. 7(4) – No other want
of jurisdiction: (i)
The subject matter of the proceedings was not immovable
property situated outside the country of the Foreign Court. (ii)
There was no agreement between the Judgment Creditor and
Judgment Debtor such that the Foreign Proceedings were brought contrary to
any exclusive jurisdiction clause or arbitration agreement [or, set out
how they came not to be applicable]. (iii)
The Judgment Debtor is not a person who under the rules of
public international law was entitled to immunity from the jurisdiction of
the courts of the Foreign Court and did not submit to the jurisdiction of
that court.
UCPR 53.3(1)(f) – usual
or last known residential addresses of the judgment creditor and judgment
debtor
Or
Exhibited to me and marked “[ABC]-#” is a White Pages search I performed of [individual – e.g. “John Albert Smith”].
And/Or
[Give better or further evidence as to last known place of abode or place of business likely to satisfy the Court that the person and his/her/its address are correctly identified]. 18. The Judgment Creditor carries on the [trade / business**] of [specify] at [address] so far as I am aware.
[While not strictly necessary, you could do as for para 6 to put the affidavit into proper form].
19. I believe the contents of this affidavit to be true and correct.
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Notes on
Revisions to this Document
v 1.0 - 15 September 2006.
v 1.1 - 25 September 2006. Correction edits to Section E at para 11. Links between TOC and body of document (Section Headings and Annexures).
v 1.2 - 3 October 2006. Edits to Introduction, further explaining application of s 12 FJA and adding note re Mareva relief. Addition of intro paragraphs to some sections for ease of understanding.
v 2.0 - 20 April 2008. Addition of Part V (Foreign Arbitral Awards). Update to form references for Summons and Notice of Motion in line with new numbering of forms from 29 Jan 2008. Update to fees. Various links inserted.
v 3.0 - 01 October 2010. Re-explanation of impact of FJA on
matrimonial causes and other causes excluded from the definition of ‘actions in personam’ for the purposes of s.
7. Update to case law. Updates to arbitration section given
amendments to the International
Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) by the International
Arbitration Amendment Act 2010.
Update to form of affidavit in support to give greater clarity.