Linter Group Ltd (in liq) v Price Waterhouse (a firm)

In the Federal Court of Australia, Linter Group Ltd (in liquidation) sought access to the transcript of a trial that was held against Price Waterhouse, a firm of accountants. The liquidators of Linter Group were seeking the transcript for the purpose of pursuing a claim against the firm for professional negligence. The primary issue before the court was whether a non-party to the original proceedings, such as the liquidators of Linter Group, could be required to contribute to the cost of producing the trial transcript. The court considered the principles of transparency in the administration of justice and the balance between the public interest in access to court records and the financial burden on the non-party. The court concluded that, in the interest of transparency and the fair administration of justice, a non-party should be required to contribute to the cost of producing the transcript. However, the court balanced this requirement with the need to ensure that the non-party's ability to access the transcript was not unduly restricted. The court granted the application for access to the transcript on the condition that the liquidators pay to the provider of the transcript the cost of making the transcript available. This decision recognised the importance of access to court records while also acknowledging the financial implications for non-parties seeking such access.