On Just Terms

In this episode, partners Jason Betts and Aoife Xuereb speak with Sophie East and Jesse Wilson, partners at Bell Gully, about the evolving class actions landscape in New Zealand and how it compares with developments across the Tasman.

They explore the foundations of New Zealand's representative proceedings regime, the significance of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Ross v Southern Response, and the increasingly important role of litigation funders. The conversation also examines the claims driving activity in the market, the growing influence of Australian class action trends on claim theories and parallel proceedings, and what may lie ahead for the New Zealand class actions landscape.

In this episode, partners Jason Betts and Anna Sutherland speak with the Honourable Justice Wigney of the Federal Court of Australia, one of Australia's most experienced judges in complex commercial litigation and representative proceedings, about the growing complexity of modern litigation and its implications for courts, practitioners and clients.

They discuss the rise of sprawling commercial cases, the challenges of electronic trials and vast volumes of evidence, and what judges find most effective in written and oral advocacy. The conversation also explores the use of expert evidence, the scrutiny of class action settlements, litigation funding and legal costs, before concluding with Justice Wigney's perspectives on the opportunities and limitations of AI in legal practice.

In this episode of On Just Terms partners Jason Betts and Melissa Gladstone speak with Professor Anthea Roberts, ANU Professor and leading scholar at the intersection of law, technology and global risk, about what it takes to work effectively with AI. 

They discuss why lawyers may be uniquely positioned to thrive in the AI era, how multi-agent AI systems can tackle complex interdisciplinary challenges, and the growing importance of AI literacy for knowledge workers. The conversation also explores Professor Roberts' Risk-Reward-Resilience framework and what organisations can do to build long-term adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, partner Jason Betts speaks with Michael Pelly, legal reporter at Capital Brief and former legal affairs editor at the Australian Financial Review, about the key developments shaping corporate litigation in Australia.

They discuss the implications of the landmark ASIC v Star decision for directors' duties and corporate governance, the evolving landscape of shareholder class actions, and the role of the courts in driving legal reform. The conversation also explores the growing complexity of major litigation and the opportunities and limitations of AI in legal practice.

In this episode of On Just Terms, partners Jason Betts and Melissa Gladstone are joined by Professor Vince Morabito, one of Australia's leading empirical researchers on class actions.

Drawing on decades of data, Professor Morabito explores common misconceptions about the class action system, the factors driving filing rates, and the impact of Victoria's group costs order regime. 

He also discusses concerns about rising GCO rates, assesses whether access to justice objectives are being achieved, and shares his views on key areas for reform, including competing class actions, class closure mechanisms, and the potential role of a public litigation fund.

In this episode of On Just Terms, Jason Betts and Melissa Gladstone are joined by Hamish Hansford, Head of National Security at the Department of Home Affairs and Australia's Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, for a discussion on the evolving national security landscape and its implications for Australian organisations.

Hamish discusses Australia's Cyber Security Strategy, mandatory ransomware reporting, the convergence of cyber, foreign interference and organised crime threats, and the growing role of AI in both security and resilience. He also explores the Security of Critical Infrastructure framework, board preparedness, and the importance of strong security culture and risk management.

A practical discussion for directors, executives and advisers navigating cyber, critical infrastructure and national security risks. an increasingly complex threat environment.

In this episode of On Just Terms, partners Jason Betts and Melissa Gladstone sit down with Dr Peter Cashman, adjunct professor at UNSW and leading barrister, to discuss the evolution of Australia’s class action regime. 

Drawing on decades of experience, Dr Cashman reflects on its role in improving corporate governance, product safety and access to justice, while addressing ongoing challenges around cost, delay and efficiency. He also outlines a range of reforms aimed at creating a faster, fairer and more effective class action system for all participants.

In this episode of On Just Terms, HSF Kramer partners Cameron Hanson and Tania Gray speak with Mark Rigotti, Managing Director and CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, about the evolving governance landscape.
 
The discussion explores governing culture beyond compliance, the growing influence of AI in the boardroom, and the impact of private capital on transparency, accountability and board priorities. A timely conversation for directors, executives and advisers navigating change in an increasingly complex environment.

In this episode of On Just Terms, Jason Betts and Harry Edwards are joined by Lucinda McCann, Group Executive, ASX Supervision, for a candid conversation on the organisation’s approach to its supervisory and enforcement responsibilities.
 
Lucinda discusses ASX's shift to risk-based supervision, effective engagement during its inquiries, continuous disclosure obligations, trading halts, and its referrals of matters to ASIC. She also explores the impact of the securities class actions market on its work and how AI may support the ASX’s work.

In the latest episode of On Just Terms, HSF Kramer partners Jason Betts and Rebecca Maslen-Stannage are joined by The Honourable Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General of Australia, for a wide-ranging discussion on the government's legal priorities.
 
The Attorney-General shares insights on Privacy Act reform, the government's position on copyright and AI and why there is no text and data mining exception, scams and consumer protection, class actions and access to justice, and the critical importance of effective enforcement capability.
 
This is a substantive discussion on the role of law in serving the public interest, and what lies ahead on Australia's legal agenda.