14 December 2018
The Law Council of Australia represents the Australian legal profession on national issues through the various law societies and bar associations. On 1 December the LCA held its AGM in Canberra. Arthur Moses SC was elected as President, with the executive now to comprise Arthur Moses SC, and members Konrad de Kerloy, Pauline Wright, Tass Liveris, Jacoba Brasch QC, and Tony Rossi.
The new President’s focus on reducing the number of indigenous people being incarcerated is very welcome. Mr Moses has been practising at the NSW Bar for over 20 years and, in 2008, was appointed Senior Counsel in the state of NSW.
The previous day there were meetings of the Presidents of the State and Territory law societies and bar associations. Discussion covered a wide range of subjects including the Federal election platform for the LCA, money laundering legislation, issues surrounding the Family Law Section of the LCA, proposed review of conduct rules, PEXA, and thresholds for costs disclosures.
Today it is expected that the report of the Legislative Assembly Committee on changes to personal injury compensation rights arising out of motor vehicle accidents will be released. The exposure draft, examined by the Committee, would strip innocent injured road users of a very significant part of their proper compensation entitlements, and deny natural justice in making their claims. The Society opposes the draft Bill in its present form.
The government is expected to push for an early passing of the legislation next year, regardless of its deficiencies.
I wish you all a peaceful holiday break, and I hope to catch up with more of you in the new year!
Chris Donohue President, ACT Law Society