The announcement today by Australia's Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter that a parliamentary committee inquiry will be established to examine all aspects of the class action system is welcomed by the Victorian Liberal Nationals.
While class actions play an important role in delivering access to justice, the enormous growth in litigation funding without proper regulation needs to be examined.
Further, legislation before the Victorian Parliament to allow lawyers to charge contingency fees, which is opposed by the Law Council, is a dangerous step and could hinder, rather than improve, access to justice.
Daniel Andrews must immediately put on hold any further debate on the euphemistically named Justice Legislation Miscellaneous Amendment Bill until this new federal inquiry has completed its important work.
While the Labor donors at Maurice Blackburn and Slater and Gordon want this Bill passed as quickly as possible, Daniel Andrews has an obligation to do what is right for Victorians.