An Evidence-Based Approach to Class Action Reform in Australia: Competing Class Actions and Comparative Perspectives on the Volume of Class Action Litigation in Australia

Abstract

2018 is the most crucial year for the future of class actions in Australia. The Victorian Government is currently considering a report on the litigation funding industry and certain aspects of Victorian class actions recently completed by the Victorian Law Reform Commission. The Australian Law Reform Commission will be completing in December 2018 its review of litigation funders and certain aspects of the federal class action regime. Empirical data is required to ensure that these reviews, and the assessment of the recommendations that come out of these reviews, are based on an accurate understanding of Australia's class actions landscape. This is the main aim of this and other empirical reports that will be released over the next 12 months.