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
Employment
Judge tosses part of Coles underpayments class action case
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.
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.
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.
Construction
Novati administrators must hand over $625K bank guarantees
The administrators of collapsed building company Novati Constructions have been ordered to give developer Hulak two bank guarantees worth $312,500 each, with a judge finding it would be unconscionable to withhold them.
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.
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.
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.
Class Actions
Robodebt class action funder goes to appeals court over payout
Litigation funder Omni Bridgeway is challenging a decision that halved its $71 million commission in the Robodebt class action, which settled for $550 million.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Aldi produce wholesaler admits liability in ACCC cartel case
Produce wholesaler Perfection Fresh has admitted liability in the competition watchdog's case alleging it made price-fixing arrangements with other suppliers before submitting weekly quotes to Aldi.
