Victoria

A Melbourne couple whose defamation claims against an AFP commander were thrown out by a jury has had their appeal rejected.

An employee of Victoria's building regulator is among 28 further people now facing charges over allegations builder registrations were given in exchange for bribes. 

Healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson is facing a new class action alleging it sold talcum powder that was contaminated with asbestos and caused reproductive system cancers in women.

Property fund manager GPT Group has announced it will increase its stake in Melbourne’s Highpoint Shopping Centre to 25 per cent in a $204.6 million transaction.

Sportsbet is facing a class action alleging it provided an unlawful in-play online betting service, with punters looking to recoup their losses from the gambling operator.

A tribunal has recommended a Melbourne lawyer be removed from the roll, despite his undertaking not to reapply for a practicing certificate, finding he showed no remorse for threatening a witness.

The valuer general of Victoria has told the High Court that a property in Melbourne's CBD should be valued at $6.2 million rather than $2.9 million, despite a heritage constraint on development. 

A class action against Allianz over alleged junk add-on insurance has settled for $170 million, with two law firms set to take 25 per cent of the payout under a group costs order. 

CPB Contractors has sued its insurers for their refusal to cover $9.5 million in costs incurred fixing defective road signs on the CityLink extension in Melbourne.

In a case alleging Waller Legal gave negligent advice in a sexual abuse claim, a judge has rejected the plaintiff’s bid to adduce evidence of the firm’s alleged tendency to pursue out of court settlement over litigation.