Class actions in Australia involve a wide network of participants. From law firms and litigation funders to regulators and the courts, each plays a role in shaping how representative actions are conducted and resolved.
Law Firms
Specialist plaintiff law firms are usually responsible for investigating potential cases, filing proceedings, and representing class members in court. They often operate on a “no win, no fee” basis or rely on external funding to cover the significant costs of running large-scale litigation.
Litigation Funders
Third-party funders provide the capital needed to run class actions, including legal costs, expert fees, and administration. In return, they typically receive a share of any proceeds if the case is successful. Funders have become a key feature of the Australian class action landscape, making large-scale litigation possible where individuals could not otherwise afford it.
The Courts
Class actions in Australia are primarily conducted in the Federal Court of Australia and the Supreme Courts of the states and territories. The courts supervise proceedings to ensure fairness, including approval of settlements and costs charged to class members.
Regulators and Government
Regulators such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) sometimes initiate proceedings themselves, or their investigations may lead to class actions being filed by private firms. Legislative and policy changes also shape the class action landscape, with periodic reviews of funding arrangements and procedural rules.
The Role of Class Justice
This industry can appear fragmented, with information spread across dozens of firms, funders, and regulatory sources. Class Justice brings this information together in one place, helping the public access, understand, and participate in actions without needing to navigate the industry’s complexities.
⚖️ Class Justice – Australia’s Class Action Gateway