A form of legal proceeding (commonly known as a class action) brought by one or small number of named representatives, almost invariably to recover compensation for loss or damage on behalf of a class against one or more respondents.

Primarily brought in Australia under Federal or Supreme Court legislation and rules requiring similar claims and circumstances and a substantial common issue of law or fact, although also available to regulators in competition and consumer protection matters under specific legislative requirements.

For more information, see Practice notes: