Report ordered on legal profession regulation co-operation

Australia's Attorneys-General have agreed to a Queensland Government proposal to assess co-operation and information-sharing between state regulators of the legal profession.

Attorney-General Kerry Shine said with national reforms being adopted, it was essential for certifying and regulatory authorities to co-operate.

"The national legal profession reforms mean Australia will have consistent standards for admission, interstate practising certificates will be recognised and the complaints and disciplinary processes for lawyers will be strengthened," Mr Shine said.

"These are important advances toward a truly national legal profession in Australia."

Mr Shine said the co-operation and information-sharing of regulatory bodies, such as the Legal Services Commission in Queensland, would underpin the reforms.

"If a person has been refused a practising certificate or had their practising certificate cancelled or suspended in one state, then authorities in other states are to be notified," Mr Shine said.

The model laws strengthen the capacity of Australian regulators to supervise cross-border delivery of legal services and establish nationally-consistent standards of protection for consumers.

"It is important for this information is shared so only people who are qualified and are suitable for admission to the legal profession can practise law."

The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General agreed at its meeting in Hobart that the National Legal Profession Joint Working Party will report back to Attorneys-General at its next meeting on the co-operative arrangements between regulatory authorities.

27 July 2007
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or 0418 197 350