Costs

In considering the appropriate approach to take in respect of an application for costs against a professional person, there are clear parallels between the jurisdiction that has been exercised in cases involving insolvency practitioners and the jurisdiction to make wasted costs orders that the court exercises in relation to legal professionals.

The court has jurisdiction to make a wasted costs order only where the improper, unreasonable or negligent conduct complained of has caused a waste of costs, and only to the extent of such wasted costs. Demonstration of a causal link is essential.