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Oil spill class action firm wins settlement hearing fees, including bill for tax advice
Despite a judge's complaint that class action costs are generally "out of control", the law firm that secured a $192.5 million settlement and earned about $25 million in fees in the Montara oil spill case has won approval for more fees -- these ones incurred in a hearing to determine how the settlement spoils should be divided.
Insurer Vero dragged into class action over combustible cladding
A judge has ruled insurer Vero can be added to a class action over allegedly combustible cladding, finding removal of the cladding could be considered “property damage” under the wording of an insurance contract with cladding manufacturer Fairview.
Downer EDI class actions call for stay of rival cases in four-way fight
The applicants in competing class actions against Downer EDI have set out their proposals for the courts overseeing the cases, with two calling for orders staying the proceedings of their rivals, and another seeking consolidation.
Santos equated carbon offsets with emissions cuts, court told in landmark greenwashing case
A landmark case brought by a shareholder advocacy group accusing Santos of greenwashing will seek to argue the energy company misled the market by presenting its carbon offset programs as plans to reduce emissions.
$29M settlement in Westpac class action gets green light
A judge has approved a $29 million settlement in a class action against Westpac over 'junk' consumer credit insurance, a deal that earns the bank's customers at least $19.6 million. 
Costs in class actions getting ‘out of control’, judge says
A judge overseeing a $192.5 million settlement in an oil spill class action against PTTEP Australia on behalf of Indonesian seaweed farmers has balked at the “very large” costs sought by Maurice Blackburn for administering the deal, expressing concerns that class action costs are “getting out of control”.
$47M settlement in ANZ credit insurance class action reasonable, judge says
A $47 million settlement in a class action against ANZ -- one of three settlements in a series of class actions against the big banks over 'junk' consumer credit insurance -- was fair and reasonable, a judge has said.
Hog’s Breath class action ‘can’t be left in abeyance forever’, judge says
A judge has warned against a franchisee class action against Hogs Breath Cafe Australia remaining in limbo after the restaurant chain’s bid to toss the case was set back by the second applicant’s poor health. 
‘Completely at sea’: Banks push for class closure in flex commissions cases
Westpac, Macquarie and ANZ are seeking class closure orders ahead of mediation in three class actions over flexible commissions schemes, telling a court hearing they will be “completely at sea” without a better idea of the class size.