Professional Negligence
BDO employee sent pic of cash under table during Dubber audit, court hears
In a failed bid for discovery of internal communications at BDO Audit, Dubber has claimed a BDO employee sent an illustrated image of cash being passed under a table while discussing the firm's audit of the software company.
Courts
Top judge’s WhatsApp messages about deputy leads to quashing of referral
An appeals court has set aside a decision to refer the NSW Local Court Deputy Chief Judge to the conduct division of the state judicial commission, after the local court's top judge communicated with a panel member via WhatsApp about the matter.
Trials
Underpayments class action ‘nowhere near’ roping in McDonald’s, court told
McDonald’s has argued it can’t be on the hook for alleged underpayments by franchisees for continuous 10-minute rest breaks, saying there is not enough evidence to show it knew they were breaching an enterprise agreement.
Financial Services
Judge OKs $30M settlement in RAMS franchisee class action
A judge has approved a $29.6 million settlement in a class action against Westpac’s former home lending business RAMS, including $4 million in legal costs and a $12 million funding commission.
Securities
ASIC sues Falcon Capital directors over First Guardian fund
The securities regulator has launched proceedings against the former directors of Falcon Capital, the latest action by ASIC over the First Guardian Master Fund, which collapsed in 2024 taking $600 million in investor funds with it.
Class Actions
Aristocrat social casino class action worth over $100M, court hears
A class action against Aristocrat over allegedly illegal casino gaming apps is worth “hundreds of millions of dollars” and represents up to 1.6 million group members, a court has heard.
Contracts
ARN thought Jackie O’s $10M pay not justified without Sandilands, court told
Australian Radio Network's board thought Jackie O Henderson was not worth $10 million a year without co-host Kyle Sandilands, a court has heard as it rejects access to documents over which the broadcaster and the radio star claim privilege.
Class Actions
Carnival fights to knock $1M off costs in Ruby Princess class action
Cruise ship operator Carnival is fighting a lead applicant’s bid for $8 million in costs in a class action over a COVID-19 outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess, saying the counsel fees are too high.
Human Rights
‘Sick and tired’ judge grants extension in case against Sydney Uni academics
A judge has given the applicants in a case accusing two Sydney University academics of antisemitic comments more time to file a strike-out bid after a default, but said he was "sick and tired" of lawyers seeking forgiveness instead of permission.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Bunnings wants early trial in competition case by Mitre 10 franchisee
Bunnings is pushing for an early trial in a misuse of market power case by a Mitre 10 franchisee seeking to halt its plans to open a nearby store, noting work has already begun on the store.
