Representative Proceedings
Recent years have seen a substantial increase in class action proceedings brought under the comprehensive regime in Part IVA of the Federal Court of Australia Act or under representative rules in state and territory courts. The global financial recession has been a catalyst for further growth in investor class action litigation in particular. Class actions in Australia also embrace competition law (such as where cartels or price fixing are alleged) and product liablility law.
In class action litigation, a person may bring proceedings on behalf of others with claims arising out of the same, similar or related circumstances where there are substantial common issues of law or fact.
The procedural requirements and steps to hearing or settlement in a class action differ substantially from other types of litigation and the jurisprudence in this area is developing rapidly.
The chambers includes barristers who are specialists in class actions as well as in the underlying causes of action in competition law and corporations law.
Peter Brereton SC
Anthony D Arcy
Richard McHugh SC
David Sulan
Christopher Withers