New South Wales Consolidated Acts

DUST DISEASES TRIBUNAL ACT 1989 - SECT 12C

12C Effect of settlement on proceedings by or against joint and several tortfeasors

(1) For the avoidance of doubt, settlement with one or more joint tortfeasors in or in relation to proceedings before the Tribunal and who are liable in respect of damage as a result of a dust-related condition is not a bar to recovery against one or more other joint tortfeasors (whether or not they are defendants in the proceedings), unless the terms of the settlement otherwise provide.

(2) A tortfeasor who settles proceedings before the Tribunal that are brought against the tortfeasor by a plaintiff in respect of damage as a result of a dust-related condition is not precluded from recovering contribution in respect of that same damage under section 5 (1) (c) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 from any other tortfeasor (whether a joint tortfeasor or otherwise) who is not a party to the settlement only because a judgment giving effect to that settlement has been entered in favour of the plaintiff without the Tribunal having considered the merits of the case.

(3) This section does not affect the operation or interpretation of section 5 (1) (a) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 .