Trials
Trial judge in Brambles class action questions long-term financial forecasts
A judge overseeing the trial in a shareholder class action against chain logistics company Brambles has questioned the company's use of long-term financial forecasts.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Mercedes ‘laid open’ its legal advice in $650M dealer lawsuit, court told
Car dealers bringing a $650 million lawsuit against Mercedes over its decision to move to a fixed-price agency model are seeking to access legal advice given to the car manufacturer on non-renewal notices at the heart of the case.
Class Actions
Mystery funder in WestConnex class action can’t escape security for costs
An appeals court has rejected a bid to challenge a decision forcing an unnamed litigation funder to give $415,000 in security for the NSW government’s defence costs in a class action alleging the fraudulent acquisition of land for the construction of the $16 billion WestConnex tunnel.
High Court
High Court says ban on secret filming by animal activists no loss to freedom of speech
The High Court has dismissed a constitutional challenge by an animal welfare group to legislation banning publication of secret recordings, ruling that the law's protection of privacy did not violate the activists' freedom of speech.
Insurance
IAG agent at heart of controversial Greensill funding wins more time for defence
Fired underwriter Greg Brereton has been granted an extension to respond to lawsuits targeting Insurance Australia Group over trade credit policies covering $4.6 billion in loans issued by collapsed Greensill Capital.
Energy & Natural Resources
Australian Mines cops $450,000 penalty for lying about funding for $500M project
Australian Mines has agreed to pay a $450,000 penalty to settle proceedings brought by ASIC after its managing director was allegedly caught lying at an investment conference about the value of an offtake agreement and funding for a project at its cobalt and nickel mine in Queensland.
Appeals
Globaltech’s mining survey patent faces second challenge
A Globaltech patent for mining survey tools is facing another test, with rival technology company Reflex Technologies lodging an appeal after its invalidity challenge flopped.
Real Estate
HWL Ebsworth accused of providing bad legal advice to Hong Kong developer
A Hong Hong-based developer has accused HWL Ebsworth of failing to advise that by using a foreign-domiciled vehicle to purchase a share in a lender that provided mortgages to overseas buyers in two of Melbourne's biggest developments it would subject the mortgages to Foreign Investment Review Board review.
Securities
GetSwift boss accused by co-founder of misleading him on sale of shares
GetSwift managing director and founder Joel Macdonald faces a lawsuit by former Melbourne Demons teammate James Strauss, who helped launch the strife-ridden logistics tech company seven years ago.
Class Actions
‘If they were my clients I’d advise them to opt out’, barrister tells Aveo class action judge
The first ever amicus appointed in a fight over the wording of an opt out notice in a class action has told a court a proposed novel funding model in a case against retirement home provider Aveo Group could be a "nightmare scenario" for certain group members.
