A group of contractors have launched a $78 million class action against National Australia Bank, two insolvent units of Waltons Australia and the company’s director, seeking compensation for unpaid work done prior to the company’s collapse.
German-based 3A Composites has issued an ultimatum in the high-stakes combustible cladding class action against it, saying it will try to shut down the matter as a representative proceeding if group member registration and opt out are not initiated.
A Federal Court judge has expressed disbelief that hundreds of lawsuits are being pursued over allegedly defective pelvic mesh, saying he was “absolutely flummoxed” as to why the law firm leading them hadn’t considered filing a class action.
The plaintiffs in one of two shareholder class actions brought against troubled sandalwood producer Quintis have complained about potential delays that could result from the “overly complicated loss theory” being advanced in a parallel class action.
Engineering services company CIMIC has won a challenge to the pleadings in a shareholder class action against it, with the Federal Court striking out deficient paragraphs but giving the class a chance to replead.
William Roberts Lawyers and a litigation funder are investigating potential claims by property purchasers and investors against Ralan Group after the developer entered administration and creditors were warned to “prepare for a poor outcome”.
In a recent decision, Federal Court Justice Jonathan Beach approved the settlement of the securities class action against Sirtex Medical. The approval included the judge making a common fund order and allowing funder IMF Bentham’s commission in the amount of $10 million, namely 25% of the gross settlement sum of $40 million. In approving the commission, Justice Beach noted that the rate should properly provide a reward for the risks undertaken by the funder, writes IMF Bentham’s Gavin Beardsell and Kate Hurford.
Two Westpac units have been hit with a class action over allegedly excessive superannuation interest rates, the third class action filed as part of Slater and Gordon’s $1 billion ‘Get Your Super Back’ campaign.
The judge overseeing a group of class actions against car manufacturers over faulty Takata airbags has questioned a simplified group registration and opt out process proposed by the law firm leading the cases, saying it would “invite a moronic approach” to sign up.
Aged care provider Estia Health has launched a bid to strike out the pleadings in a Phi Finney McDonald-led shareholder class action, accusing the law firm of making “speculative allegations” in the hope of strengthening its case later on.