291General role of local regulatory authority in costs disputes

291 General role of local regulatory authority in costs disputes

291 General role of local regulatory authority in costs disputes

(1) The designated local regulatory authority is, subject to the other provisions of this Division, to deal with a costs dispute in the same manner as other consumer matters if—

(a) the total bill for legal costs is less than $100 000 (indexed) payable in respect of any one matter; or

(b) the total bill for legal costs equals or is more than $100 000 (indexed) payable in respect of any one matter, but the total amount in dispute is less than $10 000 (indexed).

(2) If a complaint contains a costs dispute that cannot be dealt with under subsection (1), the designated local regulatory authority is not to deal with or continue to deal with the dispute, but is to inform the parties of the right to apply for a costs assessment or to make an application under jurisdictional legislation for the matter to be determined.