Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999

This rule applies if the court is satisfied that a party (the relevant party) to a proceeding (the existing proceeding) has made more than 1 application in relation to the existing proceeding that is frivolous, vexatious or an abuse of process.

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

The court may order that—

the relevant party must not make a further application in relation to the existing proceeding without leave of the court; or

the relevant party must not start a similar proceeding in the court against a party to the existing proceeding or against a party to the existing proceeding and any other person without leave of the court.

The Supreme Court may also order that the relevant party must not start a similar proceeding in another court against a party to the existing proceeding or against a party to the existing proceeding and any other person without leave of that court.

A court may dismiss an application made to the court in contravention of an order made under subrule (3) or (4) without hearing the applicant or another party to the application.

A court may at any time vary or revoke an order made by it under this rule.

If the Supreme Court makes an order under subrule (4) or varies or revokes an order made under subrule (4), the registrar of the Supreme Court must advise the registrars of the other courts.

Practice directions may set out procedures in relation to an application or order made under this rule.

This rule does not limit any inherent or other power of a court or judge.

In this rule—

the relief claimed is the same or substantially the same as the relief claimed in the existing proceeding; or

the relief claimed arises out of, or concerns, the same or substantially the same matters as those alleged in the existing proceeding.