The lack of consistency between the states in tort reform has been applauded by the legal profession’s key national body, the Law Council of Australia, which says its message is getting through.

Law Council Tony Abbott says that with the exception of NSW, all other states have not introduced “excessive” legislation. “We have pointed out that reducing the cost of claims will not reduce premiums under current market conditions,” he said in the current issue of the council’s journal, Australian Lawyer.