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‘Very large indeed’: DePuy class action settlement administration costs top $13M
A judge has signed off on a bill that brings the total settlement administration costs in a class action against Johnson & Johnson unit De Puy to over $13 million, amid a push by some judges to open the settlement administration gig up to competition.
COVID-19 aged care class actions put on ice pending criminal trials
Still in the dark about insurance coverage and seeking to stem the flow of cash, two class actions against Heritage Care and St Basil’s over COVID-19 outbreaks have been shelved pending the outcome of criminal cases against the Victorian aged care providers, in a decision the judge said “wouldn't gladden the hearts of group members”. 
AI copyright claims could have edge in Australia, experts say
Australian IP lawyers are closely watching The New York Times' copyright lawsuit seeking billions in damages from OpenAI and Microsoft, but it remains to be seen whether Australia will become a favoured jurisdiction for similar suits or be left playing catch up, experts say.
As Roundup trial wraps up, Monsanto says class action has ‘finger on scales’
Defending allegations that its popular weed killer Roundup is carcinogenic, agrochemical giant Monsanto has accused the class action of having its “finger on the scales” when presenting scientific evidence to the court.
‘No safe level of exposure’ to Roundup, class action tells court
A class action against agrochemical giant Monsanto has told the court that there is “no safe level of exposure” to carcinogens allegedly present in the company's popular weed killer Roundup. 
‘Disrespectful to the court’: Judge swipes at insurer for radio silence
The judge overseeing a suite of cases brought by holidaymakers who were seriously injured in a fatal bus collision in Vanuatu has hit out at QBE for ignoring queries about an insurance policy, as the defendants in the case scramble pass the buck for the crash. 
Businesses look to head off penalties for Modern Slavery Act violations
The Business Council of Australia has advised the government that civil penalties are not necessary to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, saying a proposed Anti-Slavery Commissioner should not impose “additional bureaucratic burdens” on businesses. 
Ochre liquidator can serve missing directors by email, judge says
A judge has given a liquidator the green light to use substituted service to serve court documents on two directors of failed iron ore producer Ochre Group whose exact whereabouts are unknown, amid concerns about transactions leading up to the company's collapse.
Victorian gambling watchdog faces bullying claim by ex-media advisor
A former senior media advisor for the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission has sued the watchdog, alleging she was fired after complaining about bullying behaviour by a senior employee. 
ME Bank hit with $820,000 penalty for misleading borrowers
Bank of Queensland will pay a $820,000 penalty after its Members Equity was found guilty of criminal charges over misleading representations, with a judge finding the defunct direct bank was no less responsible because the offending conduct resulted from a systems error.