Competition & Consumer Protection
Apple, Google engaged in anti-competitive conduct, says judge
In a major win for two class actions and Fortnite maker Epic Games, a judge has found that Apple and Google misused their market power in running app stores and in-app purchase systems.
Class Actions
Court approves 35% GCO in WiseTech class action
A judge has approved a 35 per cent group costs order in a shareholder class action against WiseTech, but said the relatively high rate could be revisited by the court at a later stage in the case.
Tax
Ex-PwC partner banned for alleged false statements that caused $11M tax shortfall
The Tax Practitioners Board has banned former PwC partner Richard Gregg for four years after finding he made false or misleading statements concerning research and development tax incentives, resulting in a tax shortfall of $11 million and $800,000 in fines for his clients.
White Collar
Investment manager pleads guilty to insider trading of Platinum shares
Sydney investment manager Rodney Forrest has pleaded guilty to two counts of insider trading in relation to the trading of $2.6 million in shares of funds manager Platinum Asset Management while in position of inside information about a takeover offer.
Appeals
Payday lender directors ask High Court to clarify accessorial liability
The directors of payday lenders Cigno and BSF have filed for special leave to appeal a decision that found them liable for unlicensed credit activity, saying the case raises fundamental questions about the scope of accessorial liability.
Appeals
High Court to weigh reversal of exemplary damages for youth gassed in NT detention
The High Court has agree to weigh in on whether an appeals court erred in overturning $200,000 in exemplary damages awarded to each of four children gassed at Don Dale detention centre in the Northern Territory.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Rent-to-own business cops $7.4M penalty for breaches of Credit Act
A rental company providing long-term leases for household items has been slugged with a $7.4 million penalty after a court found its loan agreements did not comply with credit laws.
Trials
Murray Darling class action a ‘world away’ from failed climate change case, court told
On the first day of trial, a court has heard a class action over alleged negligent management of water flowing through the Murray Darling system is a “world away” from a climate change class action that recently failed at trial.
Trials
Ex-EY partner accused of promoting tax loss scheme says ATO ‘overreached’
A former EY partner accused of promoting a tax loss scheme has hit back at the ATO’s case on the first day of trial, saying he gave objective advice and the case is an overreach.
Class Actions
IVF provider Genea faces class action investigation over data breach
Fertility services provider Genea is facing a class action investigation over a data breach that led to sensitive patient information being published on the dark web.
