ARCHIBALD v BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL [NO 2]

THE COURT : Byron Shire Council was the applicant in Class 4 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court. Mr Kevin P Archibald was the respondent in those proceedings which were heard by Cowdroy J and decided in favour of the Council. On appeal to the Court of Appeal (Meagher, Sheller and Beazley JJA) by Mr Archibald the appeal was allowed with costs, the declarations and orders made by Cowdroy J on 13 December 2001 set aside and in lieu thereof an order made that the proceedings be dismissed with costs. No order was made that the unsuccessful respondent in the appeal, the Byron Shire Council, should be granted a certificate under the Suitors’ Fund Act 1951. Since the decision of the Court of Appeal was handed down, Meagher JA has retired.

The Council has applied by notice of motion, supported by the affidavit of Cecilia Rose of 29 July 2004, that an order pursuant to s6(1) of the Suitors’ Fund Act that the respondent be granted an indemnity certificate in respect of the appeal be made. The parties have consented to the two remaining members of the Bench, who heard the appeal, dealing with this motion in accordance with s45AA(1) of the Supreme Court Act 1970.

There is no basis upon which the grant of such a certificate can be refused. Accordingly, the Court makes the order 1 as asked in the notice of motion dated 29 July 2004.