NEWS

Law Reform – Will it finally catch up with Section 6?

For some, law reform can’t come fast enough; for others, a more gradual process is preferred.  Either way, it appears that reform will finally catch up with section 6 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 (NSW).

The convoluted drafting of section 6 has proven to be a headache for insurers, practitioners and the judiciary.  The section has been described as “somewhat enigmatic”, undoubtedly opaque and ambiguous” with its ambiguity being its “only clear feature”.  In light, or because of some of these criticisms, the NSW Law Reform Commission has been tasked with considering whether, amongst other things, the section should be repealed or amended.1

The consultation paper suggests five different options for reform ranging from a complete repeal of the section, partial redrafting in order to address some of the section’s shortcomings, through to a contemporary redrafting of the section.2 Submissions have already been provided by a number parties and the suggested recommendations vary from complete repeal to redrafting of the section.3

In light of the varying views expressed in the submissions already provided, it appears that at the very least, some form of redrafting of the section will likely be recommended and it is unlikely that the section will remain in its current form.  The biggest question will be whether the Law Reform Commission recommends that the section ought to be repealed in its entirety.

In any event, insurers and their legal representatives will no doubt be watching to see what eventuates and whether it removes, at the very least, one headache that they can do without.

 


[2] See pages 11 and 12 of the Consultation Paper.

[3] The submissions can be accessed at:  http://www.lawreform.justice.nsw.gov.au/Pages/lrc/lrc_current_projects/Insurance%20money/Submissions.aspx

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Related News

Litigation Lotteries

Abuse of process and the overarching purpose of civil practice and procedure. On 17 October 2018 a complex multi-party and jurisdiction dispute came to an

Read More

Taming the Cookie Monster

New regulations in the European Union (“EU”) are bringing significant change to the way in which Australian businesses must approach the use and storage of

Read More

Indexation of Non-Economic Loss Damages under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW)

In liability claims under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), depending on the severity of a Claimant’s alleged injuries and disabilities, aside from the heads of damage

Read More

Get in touch

Contact our team today

Stay informed

Keep up-to-date with our regular news and insights

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
William Roberts Lawyers

Sydney

Level 22
66 Goulburn Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000

Melbourne

Level 21
535 Bourke Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000

Brisbane

Level 8
300 Ann Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000

Singapore

Level 19
Singapore Land Tower
50 Raffles Place
SINGAPORE 048623