Class Actions
Suit against Banksia receiver, law firm a bid to ‘exhume case from grave’, court told
The receiver for Banksia Securities — the failed lender at the centre of a scandal-ridden class action — has argued a new case accusing him of serious misconduct is vexatious and wants a court to release him from the claims.
Employment
In EY case, judge denies referral threat directed at Alvarez & Marsal barrister
A judge has clarified a warning he made to refer lawyers for Alvarez & Marsal to the legal watchdog after hearing of the hefty costs of complying with discovery orders won by rival EY, saying the threat wasn't directed at counsel.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Mayfield warns ruling in NSW Ports case could have ‘startling’ consequences
Mayfield Developments has argued the High Court should overturn a finding that NSW Ports was protected by derivative Crown immunity in entering allegedly uncompetitive agreements to privatise two ports, saying the decision could have “startling” consequences such as allowing the state to devise cartel arrangements.
Class Actions
Defeat device class action can warn Isuzu owners about selling cars
A judge has allowed a class action over Isuzus that allegedly contained emissions cheat devices to send an opt out notice to group members that includes a warning that if they sell their cars, they may “lose some or all of the money” they could receive in any settlement.
Privacy & Cybersecurity
Qantas wins injunction against hackers over data breach
Qantas has won a permanent injunction aimed at preventing unknown hackers from disseminating information accessed in a June data breach, with a judge saying the orders have “real utility” despite the hackers being beyond the reach of the court.
Accounting
Hall Chadwick NSW failed to prevent auditor rotation breaches: ASIC
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has accepted court-enforceable undertakings from Hall Chadwick NSW and three of its auditors after finding the firm’s systems failed to detect breaches of auditor rotation requirements.
Business of Law
Baker McKenzie strengthens private equity team with new Sydney hire
Baker McKenzie has appointed a new special counsel to join the law firm's private equity practice group in its Sydney office.
Class Actions
J&J denies class action’s claims that it sold ineffective cold meds
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has denied knowingly selling alleged ineffective medications under its Benadryl, Sudafed and Codral brands, saying research indicated the phenylephrine-containing products worked.
Employment
Tabcorp settles suit by ex-CEO who was forced out for ‘offensive’ language
Tabcorp has settled a lawsuit by a former CEO who alleged his coerced resignation over alleged offensive language was inconsistent with a boardroom history of condoning off-colour remarks.
ASIC
Cbus admits liability in ASIC death benefit case, faces penalty hearing
Super fund Cbus has made admissions in the corporate regulator's case over long delays in the processing of $20 million in death and disability claims, with the action to progress directly to penalty.
