Beadle and Goodridge and Ors

In the matter of *Beadle and Goodridge and Ors*, Bennett J of the Supreme Court of New South Wales considered applications concerning the joinder of parties and the transfer of proceedings. The proceedings involved Mr Goodridge, and the applications sought to join the Bankruptcy Trustee of Mr Goodridge, Mr Mulry, as the second named respondent, and J Pty Ltd (in liquidation) as the third named respondent.

The court was required to determine whether to grant leave to join the Bankruptcy Trustee and J Pty Ltd as parties to the proceedings. Additionally, the court had to consider the appropriate forum for the continuation of the proceedings, specifically whether to transfer the matter to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

Bennett J granted leave to join Mr Mulry as the second named respondent, acting as the Bankruptcy Trustee of Mr Goodridge. Further, pursuant to s 500(2) of the *Corporations Act 2001* (Cth), leave was granted to join J Pty Ltd, of which Mr Celan and Mr Handke are joint and several liquidators, as the third named respondent. This leave was specifically for joining the company in liquidation, with a directive that no further steps be taken without further court leave. Pursuant to s 33B(1) of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), the proceeding was transferred to the Federal Circuit Court of Australia, with a mention date set for 12 April 2018. The costs of all parties were reserved.