Murakami, in the matter of Murakami

Case [2011] FCA 844


FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Murakami, in the matter of Murakami [2011] FCA 844

Citation: Murakami, in the matter of Murakami [2011] FCA 844
Parties: HIROSHI MURAKAMI
File number: QUD 68 of 2011
Judge: DOWSETT J
Date of judgment: 22 July 2011
Date of hearing: 22 July 2011
Place: Brisbane
Division: GENERAL DIVISION
Category: No catchwords
Number of paragraphs: 3
Counsel for the Applicant: Mr DJ Topp
Solicitor for the Applicant: Fitz-Walter Lawyers

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND DISTRICT REGISTRY

GENERAL DIVISION

QUD 68 of 2011

HIROSHI MURAKAMI
Applicant

JUDGE:

DOWSETT J

DATE:

22 JULY 2011

PLACE:

BRISBANE

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT

  1. On a previous occasion, I concluded that the bankruptcy proceedings commenced in Japan in this matter should be recognised, subject only to ensuring that appropriate notice had been given to creditors.  The evidence discloses that the applicant, who is the trustee in Japan, is aware of certain Australian creditors and has communicated with them.  He has subsequently advertised appropriately.  In those circumstances, I am satisfied to make an order recognising the relevant proceedings pursuant to the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 (Cth) and the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency.

  2. A question then arises as to how the trustee should deal with the property. It seems to me to be appropriate that he be entrusted, pursuant to Art 21, with the distribution of the relevant debtor’s assets and estate, namely, the property described as Lot 99 on BUP 106856 in the county of Ward, Parish of Gilston. He proposes to seek transmission pursuant to s 115 of the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld). This seems appropriate. I am satisfied that the interests of creditors of the estate, within Australia are adequately protected, and that the relevant asset should be administered in the Japanese bankruptcy proceedings.

  3. I shall order accordingly.

I certify that the preceding three (3) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Dowsett.

Associate:

Dated:       7 September 2011

Details
AGLC
Murakami, in the matter of Murakami [2011] FCA 844
Case
[2011] FCA 844
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

In the Federal Court of Australia, the matter of Hiroshi Murakami was heard, with the primary issue being the recognition of bankruptcy proceedings initiated in Japan concerning certain Australian assets. The applicant, who is the trustee in Japan, sought the court's approval to manage and distribute the debtor's Australian property, specifically Lot 99 on BUP 106856 in the county of Ward, Parish of Gilston. The court was required to determine whether the Japanese bankruptcy proceedings should be recognised in Australia and if the trustee should be entrusted with the administration and distribution of the debtor's Australian assets.

Justice Dowsett considered the evidence provided by the applicant, who had communicated with Australian creditors and advertised the proceedings as required by law. The court was satisfied that the appropriate notice had been given to creditors and that their interests were adequately protected. Justice Dowsett concluded that the relevant property should be administered in the Japanese bankruptcy proceedings, in line with the provisions of the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 and the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. The court found it appropriate for the trustee to seek transmission of the property pursuant to section 115 of the Land Title Act 1994.

Following the reasoning and evidence presented, Justice Dowsett ordered the recognition of the Japanese bankruptcy proceedings in Australia and authorised the trustee to distribute the debtor's Australian assets as part of the proceedings. The court's decision was based on the satisfactory protection of Australian creditors and the appropriateness of managing the debtor's Australian property within the Japanese proceedings. The orders made by the court effectively recognised the Japanese bankruptcy proceedings and allowed for the administration of the Australian assets in accordance with the relevant laws and agreements.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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