One Nation leader and senator Pauline Hanson will seek amendments to the government’s proposed class action reforms by permitting third party litigation funders to bring claims without a financial services licence if they can guarantee that at least 70 per cent of returns will go to group members.
A contractual dispute between a litigation funder and the lead applicant in a class action against S&P will not prevent the class action from progressing, with both parties giving undertakings to preserve the status quo while the feud remains on foot.
The Federal Court’s top judge has cautioned ASIC and insurers Allianz and AWP against presenting a “bastardised form of pleading” in the financial watchdog’s action over the alleged misleading sale of travel insurance to over 31,000 consumers.
A judge has expressed doubts that every group member in the Robodebt class action is vulnerable, as the parties gear up for two-week trial in the high-profile case over the unlawful debt recovery method that begins Monday.
The High Court will hand down its highly anticipated decision in a patent dispute between printer giant Seiko Epson and ink cartridge reseller Calidad on Thursday, a ruling expected to provide clarity on the the rights of businesses to modify patented goods.
Will we see an increase in class actions and funded litigation following the COVID-19 financial crisis similar to that following the global financial crisis? If there is an onslaught of corporate failures, including failed managed investment schemes, then such litigation seems likely to ensue. However, in the last year, Parliament and the courts have taken steps which might slow such litigious activity, says Susan Goodman of Holding Redlich.
Businesses will face fines for imposing unfair contract terms on consumers and small businesses under expected changes to Australian Consumer Law announced Tuesday.
National medical centre operator Healius has agreed to pay back wages of $15.3 million to thousands of nurses, doctors and dentists after reporting “widespread underpayments” for over eight years.
A barrister for billionaire Clive Palmer has expressed doubt that the mining magnate’s defamation case against Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan can be resolved in mediation.
The funder that backed a class action against McMillan Shakespeare over ‘illusory’ car warranties, which settled for less than 20 per cent of the $47.6 million claim value, will seek court approval for a 30 per cent cut of the $9.5 million settlement.
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