You have2 free articles left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.
You have 2 free articles left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.

Lawyers Weekly - legal news for Australian lawyers

Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA

Potential probe into Adani lawyers receives state EDO backing

The Queensland Environment Defenders Office has voiced its support for a potential investigation into Adani’s lawyers, calling their legal strategy “extraordinary and gravely concerning”.

user iconEmma Musgrave 27 February 2019 Big Law
Adani

Source: Google Maps

expand image

Queensland Legal Services (QLS) confirmed to the ABC earlier this week that it will “consider and assess” marketing material created by Adani's lawyers, which hail from Brisbane-based firm AJ & Co. According to the ABC, the marketing material pledged to use the legal system to wage “war” on behalf of the mining giant.

Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Alan Wilson, who is a patron of Queensland’s EDO, has in the past described Adani’s legal strategy as both “extraordinary and gravely concerning”.

“It is profoundly disturbing that lawyers working within our system of justice would believe, or represent, that their job is to be ‘trained attack dogs’ and that their client should regard itself as ‘involved in a war’ that might require ’all-out attack’,” Justice Wilson said.

“It shows a fundamental misconception of the lawyer’s role, which is to advance the interests of justice.”

Jo Bragg, CEO and solicitor at the EDO offered a similar sentiment, noting that the office welcomes news that the probe against Adani’s lawyers is a possibility. 

“This is a timely potential investigation by the Queensland Legal Services Commission,” she said.

“Adani appears to have adopted a litigation strategy designed to intimidate. Adani should instead be focused on complying in all respects with Queensland’s environmental laws, not embarking on these kinds of suspect legal strategies.

“This investigation is one more obstacle for Adani, which is already being investigated for unlawful dewatering, site clearance and roadworks at the mine site and for polluting the Caley Valley wetlands, and prosecuted for polluting the Reef.

“The Queensland and federal governments should be asking themselves a bigger question: Is Adani a suitable outfit to be operating in Australia?” Ms Bragg concluded.

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.

Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences. 

Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University. 

Email Emma on: Emma.Musgrave@momentummedia.com.au 

Comments (3)
  • Avatar
    Well the whole thing started less than well with a proposal to spend tax-payer dollars to the benefit of an outfit based in a tax haven. The outlook for the product being produced has tanked. How were get to get our money back? This is business, not personal, and "waging war" is out of order.
    0
  • Avatar
    Isn't this a bit hypocritical given the war being waged by environmental activists against Adani, still being challenged after 8 years of lawfare? And what about the personal conflicts of the bureaucrats currently going into bat for the finch, many of whom are active members and activists for the Greens?
    0
  • Avatar
    Astounding that such a big company like Adani would resort to such poor advice. There really are a lot of rogue lawyers out there and we all know you pay for what you get. Now Adani’s entire plans here in Oz should be scrapped. Probably time for the big bird to fly again but where will he land?
    2
Avatar
Attach images by dragging & dropping or by selecting them.
The maximum file size for uploads is MB. Only files are allowed.
 
The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
The maximum number of 3 allowed files to upload has been reached. If you want to upload more files you have to delete one of the existing uploaded files first.
Posting as
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!