Litigation

A developer can't block an activist group from relying on Aboriginal cultural heritage evidence in relation to trees set to be removed under plans to build a retirement village on land owned by the Federal Golf Club.

Japan-based Optimus has sued Grant Thornton for allegedly giving negligent restructuring advice following its acquisition of dealership group Autopact, which resulted in the company owing $3 million in stamp duty, income tax and other costs.

Vietnamese airline VietJet has lost its appeal against the registration of a $254 million judgment in a dispute over payments for the leasing of Airbus A321 passenger jets.

Fortescue Metals has brought a cross-appeal in a dispute with the Yinjibarndi people of Western Australia's Pilbara region over the company's Solomon Hub iron ore project.

The contractor behind Alinta Energy’s gas-fired Pilbara power station has been awarded $7.1 million, with a judge finding Alinta failed to ensure clear and safe access to the site. 

Coles wants to file further expert evidence in its dispute with the ACCC over the acquisiton of land in Kalgoorlie, WA, claiming it had no notice of the regulator's "novel" theory of harm.

Administrators of OneSteel Manufacturing secured an extension of time to hold a second creditors' meeting after shuttering the Whyalla steelworks' blast furnace, as they continue sales talks.

Builder Besix Watpac has sued the government of Victoria, alleging it made false claims that the designs for a $65 million affordable housing development in Heidelberg West were 90-95 per cent complete, when substantial further work was required. 

Developer Mirvac has lost a bid to delay mediation in a $50 million defects suit by the owners corporation of The Moreton apartments in Bondi Beach, despite arguing it will have just two weeks to prepare for settlement talks.

Bathla's administrators have secured court orders extending their control of the failed Sydney developer for 12 months, saying it will allow more time to complete projects under construction.