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.