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Law Reform – Future Directions
When I was invited (almost 12 months ago now) to speak at this conference and on this topic, I felt relatively confident that after a year in the role as President of the ALRC, I might have some useful thoughts to share with you about future directions in law reform. That confidence evaporated rapidly when I began preparing theses remarks.
I have identified two main reasons for that loss of confidence (in addition to the obvious point that it is not a topic that lends itself naturally to humour). The first, and most important, reason has been the realisation of just how little influence the ALRC itself has in the topics that will be selected for future law reform references and the degree of political expediency involved the topics that are referred to the Commission. The second reason is the great uncertainty that surrounds the funding of the ALRC and the obvious challenge such uncertainty presents for ensuring that the ALRC can attract and retain a legal team of the highest quality.
Inquiry into Class Action Proceedings Final Report
On January 24 2019, the Attorney-General for Australia tabled in Parliament the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) report, Integrity, Fairness and Efficiency—An Inquiry into Class Action Proceedings and Third-Party Litigation Funders (Report 134, 2018).The Terms of Reference for this Inquiry asked the ALRC to consider whether, and to what extent class action proceedings and third-party …
Read moreNew Part-time Commissioners for Family Law Inquiry
The ALRC is pleased to announce the appointment of two new part-time Commissioners to the Family Law Inquiry from December 12, 2018. The Honourable Michelle May AM QC and the Honourable Cheryl Edwardes AM GAICD join Commissioner and ALRC President the Honourable Justice Sarah Derrington and part-time commissioners, the Honourable John Faulks (former Deputy Chief …
Read moreProfessor Helen Rhoades
Please find attached a media release in relation to Professor Helen Rhoades
Read moreLitigation Funding: Access and Ethics
Speaking at the Australian Academy of Law lecture in Brisbane, 4 Oct 2018, the Hon Justice S C Derrington, President of the ALRC, provided some background to Litigation Funding and Class Actions in Australia, and around the world. “Against this background, I turn to consider the overarching principles by which the ALRC has been guided …
Read moreMedia Release – Review of the Family Law System Discussion Paper released
The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) today released a Discussion Paper, Review of the Family Law System (DP 86), and is calling for comments and feedback on its proposals for reform. The Terms of Reference for this Inquiry ask the ALRC to consider reform in relation to range of issues including the early and cost …
Read moreClass Actions Seminar Series Presentation Slides
Australian Law Reform Commission Seminar on Class Action Proceedings and Third-party Litigation Funders Reform The Australian Law Reform Commission held three seminars where the ALRC presented the various responses to the proposals of the Discussion Paper on Class Action Proceedings and Third-party Litigation Funders, and sought views on amended and new ideas for reform. The …
Read moreProfessor Helen Rhoades Presentation at 2018 AIFS Conference
On 27 July 2018, Professor Rhoades presented at the annual Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference.Dowload the speech here
Read morePart-time Commissioner appointed
On 29 June 2018, The Hon Christian Porter MP, Attorney-General for Australia, announced the appointment of Dr Andrew Bickerdike as a Part-time Commissioner to the ALRC Review of the Family Law System. See Attorney-General’s media release>>
Read morePerspectives on Elder Abuse
On Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June 2018, Senior Right Service NSW published a video discussion between the ALRC Presdent, Justice Sarah Derrington, Principal Legal Officer, Matt Corrigan and Ellen Fanning. In the video the way in which law reform can support efforts to address elder abuse is discussed.
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