McClelland flags justice overhaul

(Wednesday 24 September 2009)

Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has outlined a new plan to make justice more affordable for all Australians.

The new framework focuses on resolving issues early, for example through a mediator or ombudsman, so that huge amounts of money are not spent on court costs. Mr McClelland cited the C7 case, in which Channel 7 brought action against other media outlets. More than $200 million dollars was spent.

“The great bulk of Australians simply do not have the resources to run a full-blown court case,” he said.

“Taxpayers should not be compelled to pay millions and millions of dollars that they in fact did pay to effectively provide court services to conduct a commercial dispute resolution in things such as the C7 case.”

(read the full story at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/24/2694934.htm?section=justin)

To view Robert McClelland's full biography, purchase a copy of Who's Who in Australia 2009 or subscribe to Who's Who Live!. For more information about Who's Who publications, click here.