Mao v AMP Superannuation Ltd

The applicant, Mao, sought orders from the Court of Appeal of New South Wales that certain matters be referred to the Royal Commission. AMP Superannuation Ltd was the respondent.

The central legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether it possessed the jurisdiction to grant the orders sought by the applicant, specifically to refer matters to the Royal Commission.

Simpson JA considered the nature of the Court of Appeal's jurisdiction and the powers conferred upon it by statute. Her Honour concluded that the Court of Appeal did not have the power to make the orders sought by the applicant. The Court's jurisdiction is generally confined to hearing appeals from decisions of lower courts or exercising statutory powers, neither of which extended to directing a Royal Commission.

The application was dismissed.