Class Actions
In CBA class actions, High Court asked to adopt Worley approach
The lead shareholder in class actions against CBA has urged the High Court to take a "common sense" approach to loss causation in securities cases, as endorsed by the Full Federal Court in last month's ruling for Worley's investors.
Class Actions
Phoslock class action says FTI, KPMG reports not privileged
A shareholder class action against water treatment firm Phoslock wants the company to hand over reports by KPMG and FTI Consulting, arguing the material is not protected by legal professional privilege because it wasn't produced for the dominant purpose of providing legal advice.
Construction
Martinus Rail defeats appeal over $23M payment claim
An appeals court has upheld a finding that grain exporter Co-operative Bulk Handling responded too late to a $22.6 million payment claim from Martinus Rail, agreeing that the clock started ticking on a Saturday.
Construction
Builtcom wins round in $21M dispute over Burwood development
Builtcom has scored a win in a fight over termination payments connected to a development in Melbourne's east, with a judge finding the entitlement to the payments was not extinguished by non-compliance with progress claim procedures.
White Collar
Defunct AI start-up founder jailed for nine years for duping investors
The former boss of Metigy has been sentenced to nine years behind bars after pleading guilty to misusing company funds and providing false information to investors, who pumped $40 million into the AI start-up.
Legal Ethics
KPMG agrees to hand over Allens, Ashurst docs to Senate
Under pressure from parliamentary committee members, KPMG said late Friday it would waive privilege and hand over investigation reports from Allens and Ashurst, after initially resisting orders for documents.
ASIC
ASIC confirms two investigations into KPMG data misuse claims
ASIC’s chair says the corporate cop is investigating individuals at KPMG for alleged misuse of confidential information belonging to Lendlease and Optus to win new work, but says it is hamstrung by current law from undertaking a broader probe.
Accounting
Former CEO of KPMG denies ‘bad apple’ tag, says he took accountability
Facing the hotseat over KPMG's treatment of a whisteblower, the accounting giant's former CEO Andrew Yates told a parliamentary committee hearing on Friday he took accountability and was not a "bad apple".
KPMG
KPMG slammed for ‘hiding behind’ legal professional privilege
A senator has criticised KPMG for claiming a commitment to transparency while also maintaining legal professional privilege over advice from Allens and Ashurst into the alleged misuse of confidential information.
Restructuring & Insolvency
Racing NSW scores win in fight over administration of Australian Turf Club
An appeals court has overturned a finding that Racing NSW was not entitled to appoint administrators to the owners of Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
