No disciplinary complaint has been made by the Commissioner against any individual barrister. However, the Bar Association has investigated and taken disciplinary proceedings on its own initiative against barristers in relation to taxation matters. Bankruptcy alone is not a crime. It is not sufficient cause to prevent a barrister from continuing to practice. Mere bankruptcy is not a disqualification for most Australians from pursuing their occupation.
Most exceptions relate to people who handle other people's money.
Few of these causes have any affect on a barrister's skill and standing as an advocate. That position is not unique to the legal profession, but applies across the board. Nevertheless, the Bar Association has initiated discussions with the NSW Attorney General about a possible legislative amendment, which will require barristers to disclose whether they are bankrupt. This article may be downloaded in RTF . The President of the New South Wales Bar Association, Ruth McColl S.C. today announced the formation of a committee with an urgent timetable to investigate allegations, made by Paul Barry in the Sydney Morning Herald, that some members of the New South Wales Bar are using bankruptcy laws to evade their taxation liabilities.