Sahrah Hogan

Two law firms that were set to run competing class actions against Coles and Woolworths over alleged illusory discounts have reached an in-principle agreement to collaborate.

A judge has approved a group costs order in a shareholder class action against building materials giant James Hardie Industries, giving firm Echo Law a 27.5 per cent cut of any proceeds from the case.

A law firm running a shareholder class action against building materials giant James Hardie Industries has argued for a 27.5 per cent group costs order, saying it was the “standard benchmark” for earnings guidance cases. 

The Full Federal Court has found it was “abundantly clear” on the evidence before a trial judge that funeral expenses insurance provider ACBG misrepresented to Aboriginal customers that it was Aboriginal owned or managed, but found ASIC contributed to the error with its bad pleadings.

Still in the dark about insurance coverage and seeking to stem the flow of cash, two class actions against Heritage Care and St Basil’s over COVID-19 outbreaks have been shelved pending the outcome of criminal cases against the Victorian aged care providers, in a decision the judge said “wouldn’t gladden the hearts of group members”. 

A judge has upheld a ruling that rejected a bid by two class actions against Victorian aged care providers for insurance and financial information, finding the court likely does not have the power to order the production of documents that are not relevant to the proceeding.

A judge has dismissed court proceedings brought by the corporate regulator against superannuation trustee Diversa over its alleged failure to oversee a now-banned financial adviser, ruling that the knowledge of downstream entities could not be attributed to Diversa.

A judge has questioned a challenge by two class actions against Victorian aged care providers to a ruling that rejected their bid for insurance and financial information, which the defendants argue would have far-reaching implications.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has filed an appeal after a judge ordered ACBF Funeral Plans to pay $1.2 million for misleading its First Nations customers, less than one-fifth of what the regulator sought.

A judge has order ACBF Funeral Plans to pay $1.2 million for misleading its First Nations customers, a penalty less than one-fifth the fine sought by ASIC.