Firebird Global Master Fund II Ltd v. Republic of Nauru and Another

Abstract

State immunity — Jurisdictional immunity — Proceedings for registration of foreign judgment — Commercial transaction to guarantee bonds — Whether immunity exception for proceedings concerning “commercial transactions” applicable — Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (Cth), Sections 9 and 11(1)

State immunity — Immunity from execution — Whether property “in use” or “set aside” for non-commercial purpose — Whether immunity exception for “commercial property” applicable — Whether bank accounts immune from execution — Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (Cth), Sections 30 and 32(1)

Relationship of international law and municipal law — International law on State immunity — Customary international law — Australia’s obligations under international law — Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (Cth) — Interpretation — Whether immunity extending to commercial transactions — Whether Immunities Act inconsistent with Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) — The law of Australia