Class Actions
$750M class action against Murray Darling Authority fails at trial
A judge has dismissed a class action on behalf of irrigators in NSW and Victoria, alleging negligent management of water flowing through the Murray Darling system
Financial Services
AUSTRAC probes Western Union over ‘high-risk’ payment channels
AUSTRAC is investigating Western Union over concerns about management of high-risk payment channels and customers.
Class Actions
Group members to get just 23% in ‘likely to fail’ CommInsure class action
A judge has approved a $22.5 million settlement in a class action against two former CBA wealth management units, under which group members will receive just $5.12 million and the lawyers and funder will receive the lion’s share.
Trials
Westpac investigation ‘targeted’ RAMS franchisee, class action trial told
A class action has told the Federal Court that franchisees of defunct Westpac subsidiary RAMS felt targeted and discriminated against after being flagged for "suspected anomalies" during an investigation.
AI
ACCC says ‘gaping silence’ on how Meta will use AI in discovery
AI-enthusiast Meta has been silent on how the technology will be used in discovery in Australian Competition and Consumer Commission proceedings over scam cryptocurrency ads, a court has heard.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Bunnings case to help with ‘metes and bounds’ of misuse of market power test: judge
A family-owned Mitre 10 franchisee will not be on the hook for costs if its loses a novel suit seeking to block Bunnings from opening a $36 million store next to its Jimboomba store, with a judge saying the suit will provide guidance on the misuse of market power effects test.
Employment
Judge tosses part of Coles underpayments class action
A judge has dismissed a portion of an applicant's claims in FWO and class action cases against Coles and Woolworths, while final declarations against the supermarket giants remain to be made, almost one year after the companies were found liable for $780 million in back pay.
Privacy & Cybersecurity
Privacy reforms add ‘right to erasure’, but no ban on smart glasses
The latest privacy reforms will target risks associated with new digital technology and artificial intelligence, adding a fair and reasonable test for data collection and a right to erasure on large platforms.
Social Media
Law firm investigates Meta class action after US settlement
Meta is facing a class action investigation after reaching a multibillion-dollar settlement in cases by US authorities alleging the company designed its social media platforms to increase the risk of addiction.
AI
Virgin class action trial good candidate for ‘imaginative’ use of AI: judge
A judge has ordered the parties in an investor class action against Virgin to consult with experts on how to use AI in an upcoming seven-week trial, one day after the judge made similar orders in a class action against Blue Sky.
