Class Actions 101

Class actions, or ‘representative proceedings’, have been a feature in the litigation landscape in Australia now for over 30 years and, notwithstanding Queensland is a relative newcomer in commencing its jurisdiction in the State courts, there is significant expertise in class action litigation at the Queensland Bar.  Class actions are large and complex matters that raise difficult questions around access to justice, procedural fairness, adequacy of compensation and litigation funding. This paper is designed to assist those unfamiliar with the jurisdiction; a tasting plate introducing some of the fundamental concepts and still-evolving issues.

The Supreme Court of Queensland practice direction 2017/2 Representative Proceedings can be found here and the new practice direction 2023/8 Class Actions List can be found here.

The attached paper was delivered at the Bar Association of Queensland Annual Conference on 3 March 2023.