Adelaide Steamship Co v Spalvins

The Federal Court of Australia considered the application of the Adelaide Steamship Company Limited (Adsteam) to file and serve a further amended statement of claim against its former directors and auditors. The respondents opposed the application and issued subpoenas to the ASC in the course of their opposition. The court had to decide whether the subpoenas were appropriate and whether legal professional privilege had been waived. The court held that the subpoenas were not oppressive or fishing expeditions and that some aspects of legal professional privilege had been waived. The subpoenas were set aside in part, and the matter of costs was reserved for further consideration.