Class Actions
NSW Police wants to slash $93K damages award in strip search class action
NSW Police has argued the lead plaintiff in a class action over strip searches at music festivals should only receive $33,000 in damages rather than $93,000 and is challenging a finding that the strip searches were done “as a matter of routine”.
Trials
‘Unsatisfactory’: Judge not impressed by Mastercard’s witnesses at trial
The trial judge in enforcement action against Mastercard had harsh words Thursday about the company's witnesses, including a top executive whose testimony he said was "most unsatisfactory and unimpressive".
Class Actions
Optus class action can intervene in ACMA, OAIC proceedings
A class action against Optus over a 2022 data breach that affected 10 million customers has won leave to intervene in parallel cases by the media authority and information commissioner.
High Court
High Court asked to rule on test for whistleblower protections
The High Court has been asked to rule on whether a subjective belief that misconduct has been disclosed is necessary for the whistleblower protections to apply.
AI
AI outputs must be verified, Federal Circuit and Family Court says
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has issued a guidance on the use of AI in court proceedings, saying that users of the technology are responsible for verifying any AI-generated outputs.
Financial Services
Keystone director must hand over books, bank statements
Former Keystone Asset Management director Paul Chiodo has been ordered to produce books in his possession as well as bank account statements of family members, as he defends himself in a case over alleged misappropriated money.
Public Corruption
‘Bizarre’ that Commonwealth didn’t return Lehrmann’s diary: judge
A federal court judge has called it “bizarre” that the Commonwealth has not returned former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann's blue diary, which it obtained during an anti-corruption investigation.
ASIC
Zara, H&M, Sephora pay $596,000 for late financial reports
ASIC is continuing its crackdown on tardy financial reports, slapping the companies that operate Zara, H&M and Sephora with a combined $596,000 in infringement notices for not filing their reports on time.
Expert Insights
Artificial intelligence and the workplace
Now is the time for employers to review AI deployment through the lens of existing legal obligations, rather than waiting for legislation that may not arrive, says HWL Ebsworth partner Chris Shelley and solicitor Tanisha Chadha.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Mastercard tells trial judge it took legal advice over merchant deals
Mastercard argued Wednesday it relied on legal advice in drafting alleged anti-competitive deals with major retailers, as the judge questioned the reliability of some witnesses for the payments giant, who recalled "virtually nothing".
