Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

ADMIRALTY ACT 1988 - SECT 34

  (1)   Where, in relation to a proceeding commenced under this Act:

  (a)   a party unreasonably and without good cause:

  (i)   demands excessive security in relation to the proceeding; or

  (ii)   obtains the arrest of a ship or other property under this Act; or

  (b)   a party or other person unreasonably and without good cause fails to give a consent required under this Act for the release from arrest of a ship or other property;

the party or person is liable in damages to a party to the proceeding, or to a person who has an interest in the ship or property, being a party or person who has suffered loss or damage as a direct result.

  (2)   The jurisdiction of a court in which a proceeding was commenced under this Act extends to determining a claim arising under subsection   ( 1) in relation to the proceeding.