LEGAL PROFESSION REFORM TO STRENGTHEN AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY

3 February 2009

The Prime Minister has today announced that legal profession reform will form part of the Government’s ongoing micro-economic reform agenda to strengthen the Australian economy in the face of the global financial crisis.

Pursuing this important reform complements the decisive action being taken in the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus plan to support Australian jobs and economic growth.

The regulation of the legal profession in Australia has been the subject of valuable changes in recent years. However, the regulation remains overly complex and inconsistent and each jurisdiction maintains its own regulatory structure.

The Government believes that there are significant efficiencies and cost savings to be gained through further action. Compliance costs would be significantly reduced for the profession and consumers of legal services, especially those operating across borders, and Australia’s international competitiveness would be strengthened.

The Government will pursue this important initiative through the Council of Australian Governments’ regulatory reform agenda. It is likely that the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General will be called on to assist with the reform process.

The Government looks forward to working closely with the States and Territories, and the legal profession and other stakeholders, on this initiative to strengthen the Australian economy.

Media Contact:
Adam Sims (Mr McClelland’s Office) 0419 480 224
Nardia Dazkiw (Mr Tanner’s Office) 0418 144 690