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Settlement CFO ruling another landmark in class action development
The Full Federal Court's finding that the High Court did not extinguish the power of judges to make common fund orders on approval of class action settlements is the latest milestone in the evolution of Australian class action jurisprudence, experts say.
Full Court shoots down ‘misconceived’ bid to undermine Fair Work class actions
A judge has declined a union’s bid to throw out an employee class action against McDonald’s after the Full Federal Court confirmed that employee class actions are not precluded by the Fair Work Act. 
Competition class action against AGL Energy in doubt after funder exits
The future of a competition class action against AGL Energy is in doubt after being abandoned by its funder, despite evading the energy supplier’s bid to dismiss the case.
Are settlement CFOs OK? Full Court to finally have its say
With bated breath class action litigators and funders have waited for this day, when the Full Federal Court decides the question of power to make common fund orders at settlement. They aren't the final arbiters, but the judges' ruling may be no less important for that.
AFL concussion class action will add family of injured players
A class action against the AFL on behalf of players who allegedly suffered brain injuries will expand its group definition to include family members and dependents, while a competing case by the widow of Shane Tuck has been dropped. 
Consolidated Downer EDI class action carries the day
Two law firms that were able to "work cooperatively" to join their cases have been awarded carriage of a shareholder class action against mining firm Downer EDI. The judge overseeing the proceedings also approved a group costs order application that proposed a "reasonable rate" of return to the firms.
Shane Tuck’s wife to drop concussion class action against AFL
The law firm representing the wife of the late AFL player Shane Tuck in a class against the Australian Football League on behalf of players who allegedly suffered brain injuries is seeking court approval to discontinue the case for lack of litigation funding.
Judge approves $6.88M CFO in $25M Fonterra class action settlement
A judge has approved a common fund order awarding $6.88 million to the funder behind a class action against Fonterra that settled for $25 million, opting not to wait for a much-anticipated appeals court ruling on the power to make CFOs at settlement.
Three law firms team up in battle to run class action against Downer
The field of competitors in a four-way contest to run a shareholder class action against Downer EDI over a $40 million profit overstatement has narrowed with the consolidation of three cases, leaving one firm to face criticism over its comparative inexperience running group proceedings. 
Deloitte may ask court to keep lid on class action settlement
Deloitte may seek confidentiality orders over the amount it agreed to pay to settle a shareholder class action over its audits of collapsed construction group Hastie.