Class Actions
Case against Reject Shop was class action from get-go, Full Court told
The applicant in a class action against The Reject Shop told an appeals court Tuesday the case was always a representative proceeding despite a pleading mistake that left it empty of group members.
Financial Services
High Court dashes lender’s second bid for judge’s recusal in ASIC case
The High Court has dismissed SunshineLoan’s second attempt to have a judge recuse himself from a penalty hearing in ASIC’s case against the payday lender, despite his criticism of a witness due to give further evidence.
Class Actions
CBA avoids special leave hearing of cross-appeal in High Court cases
The Commonwealth Bank has avoided a separate hearing over its cross-appeal in shareholder class actions that have reached the High Court.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Scenic Tours denies overseas cruise passengers have claims against it
Scenic Tours Australia has denied it provided services to international passengers, in a class action over a 2018 European cruise where river levels dropped so low they became impassable.
Policy and Regulation
Live exports class action says court failed to grasp impact of ban
A class action over the government’s live exports ban is appealing a finding that no additional cattle would have been exported to Indonesia absent the prohibition, saying the judge failed to fully appreciate the “unheralded” ban.
Competition & Consumer Protection
ACCC calls emergency meeting of fuel suppliers, warns against collusion
The ACCC has convened an emergency meeting of fuel companies, warning them against engaging in collusive conduct amid disruptions in the oil markets caused by military operations in the Middle East.
Business of Law
Judge urges barristers to drop ‘confrontational’ cross-examinations
A judge has warned barristers against taking an aggressive, confrontational approach to cross-examination, saying there is “very little to be gained” from such questioning.
Insurance
Medical negligence team joins Wotton Kearney’s health practice
Wotton Kearney has bolstered its health practice with the appointment of former Makinson D’Apice partner Eliza Faulk and her team of six.
Courts
Australian unit of court services provider VIQ goes into administration
The Australian arm of Canadian court services company VIQ Solutions, which provides transcription services to the Federal Court, has entered voluntary administration.
Entertainment
‘Life is short’: Judge urges Guy Sebastian, manager to resolve row
A judge has encouraged singer Guy Sebastian to resolve his long-running case against his former manager Titus Day, saying the parties should “move on in life”.
