Court Procedures Rules 2006

This rule applies if, in relation to 2 or more proceedings, it appears to the court that—

a common issue of law or fact arises; or

the relief sought in each of the proceedings is in relation to, or arises out of, the same transaction or event or series of transactions or events; or

a decision in a proceeding will decide or affect the other proceeding or proceedings; or

it is otherwise desirable to make an order under this rule.

The court may order that—

the proceedings be consolidated; or

the proceedings be heard together or in a particular sequence; or

any of the proceedings be stayed until any other of the proceedings have been decided.

Note Consolidation results in the proceedings becoming a single proceeding and, for example, only 1 judgment is given in the consolidated proceeding.

The court may make an order under this rule on application by a party to any of the proceedings or on its own initiative.

Note 1 Pt 6.2 (Applications in proceedings) applies to an application for an order or direction under this rule.

Note 2 Rule 6901 (Orders may be made on conditions) provides that the court may make an order under these rules on any conditions it considers appropriate.

If the court orders that proceedings be consolidated or heard together or in a particular sequence, it may give the directions it considers appropriate for the conduct of the proceeding or proceedings.

Before or during the hearing of a consolidated hearing or of hearings ordered to be heard together or in a particular sequence, the court may order that the proceedings be separated or heard in another sequence.