The book is a practical guide to Australian class action law and practice. It examines in detail federal and state class action statutory provisions and case law along with the representative action procedures available under the rules of the various Australian courts. There is also detailed coverage of statutory provisions which facilitate class action or group proceedings in the areas of discrimination, migration, trade practices, corporations law, industrial relations, and privacy. In addition, the book examines laws relating to fee arrangements, the funding of class action litigation, and costs.

Numerous legal and practical issues relating to the commencement, conduct, and conclusion of class action and representative proceedings are reviewed. The use of class actions in particular areas of law is examined with particular reference to toxic torts, product liability, investor litigation, price fixing, immigration, and human rights.

The book also provides comparative information on class action litigation in other jurisdictions including England and Wales, Canada, and the United States. This includes an examination of the potential for Australian claimants to bring proceedings in foreign jurisdictions.

The book will be of particular interest to litigation lawyers, academics, law students, and members of the community with an interest in class action law and practice.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: Overview of Class Action and Representative Action Laws and Procedure Rules
CHAPTER 2: Representative Action Rules in Australia
CHAPTER 3: Fees and the Funding of Class Action Proceedings
CHAPTER 4: Commencing a Class Action
CHAPTER 5: Conducting a Class Action
CHAPTER 6: Concluding a Class Action
CHAPTER 7: Costs in Class Actions
CHAPTER 8: Class Actions in Particular Areas of Law
CHAPTER 9: Representative and Class Actions under Other Statutory Provisions
CHAPTER 10: Class Action Litigation in Other Jurisdictions

"For the opponents of class actions, this book is a devil's catechism. For supporters, it will be an indispensable 'how to do it'...

Dr. Cashman will be one of the leading Australian experts in the field. He is to be praised for his uniquely devoted work on this subject and for his willingness to share his knowledge and experience in this useful text...." - The Honourable Justice Michael Kirby, High Court of Australia, from the Foreword