Victoria

A judge has approved a 33 per cent group costs order in a class action against Sportsbet, saying the relatively high rate was justified by the risks of running the “relatively novel case", which seeks repayment of gambling losses stemming from allegedly unlawful services.

The CEO of Melbourne builder Vansan Construction has persuaded a court to quash a $2 million default judgment won by SK Developments.

German investment firm Aurelius can add new claims in a dispute with explosives company Orica over a $180 million acquisition, but a judge has called out solicitors for both sides for filing material of “inordinate length” on an application concerning well-established law. 

Plumbing company Flowmotion has brought a court application seeking the OK to pursue a payment claim against the Victorian unit of builder Roberts Co, which entered administration five months ago.

A court has rejected a bid by a Hazelwood power plant contractor to pursue an offsetting claim for an alleged breach of confidentiality in response to a $1.7 million demand from a subcontractor.

The state of Victoria has launched an inquiry into the risks associated with decommissioning the state’s oil and gas infrastructure to ensure that energy companies meet their obligations. 

After more than a year on ice, two class actions against age care facilities over COVID-19 outbreaks are set to resume late this year, following a month-long criminal trial that kicks off next week. 

The federal government has given Lendlease the final green light for a three-tower residential development on land adjacent to the Queen Victoria Market after almost a decade of planning. 

Real estate investor Mapletree Logistics Trust has sold its logistics facility in Victoria's Wodonga  for $60 million, saying the hub was no longer in line with its investment strategy.

Maurice Blackburn is seeking a 33 per cent cut of any settlement in a class action against Sportsbet, arguing that law firms "doing well" for themselves by running class actions is an inherent feature of the contingency fee scheme.