House of Representatives Committees

House Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Inquiry into harmonisation of legal systems

Inquiry home | Submissions | Public hearings | Media releases | Report

Terms of Reference

To inquire and report on lack of harmonisation within Australia’s legal system, and between the legal systems of Australia and New Zealand, with particular reference to those differences that have an impact on trade and commerce. In conducting the inquiry, the Committee will focus on ways of reducing costs and duplication. Particular areas the Committee may examine to determine if more efficient uniform approaches can be developed, include but are not limited to:

Statute of limitations.
Legal procedures.
Partnership laws.
Service of legal proceedings.
Evidence law.
Standards of products.
Legal obstacles to greater federal/state and Australia/New Zealand cooperation.