Litigation

Administrators of construction company Roberts Co Victoria, which owes $272 million to 470 creditors, are justified in treating funds as if held on trust for subcontractors on six projects in Melbourne, a judge has found.

Deakin University is suing builder Hanson Yuncken seeking $14.3 million for alleged defects on a building at its Burwood campus.

A judge has vacated a hearing in Energy Resources' lawsuit challenging a decision not to renew its lease for the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory after hearing there were "good prospects" the case could be resolved. 

Collapsed clothing brand Jeanswest has nearly $26 million in lease liabilities on stores nationwide, but buyers may bite, administrators have told the Federal Court.  

A judge has refused to stay a lease dispute between landlord Dexus and South Australia's premium medical research centre in favour of a contractual dispute resolution mechanism, saying it would be “unjust” to deprive Dexus of a court hearing.

Collapsed Sydney developer Dyldam has denied wrongdoing in a lawsuit alleging members of the Fayad family used $74 million in sale proceeds for personal benefit and sought to conceal that fact from business partners.

Lendlease has told a court that documents relied on by an ex-Greenwoods and Herbert Smith Freehills partner in his case contain privileged legal advice and without prejudice communications with the Australian Tax Office.

A federal competition claim by the owner of a lot in the Merrifield Business Park masterplanned community over a restrictive covenant preventing it from leasing the land will be decided by a state court.

Melbourne developer Dahua has filed proceedings against a furniture company claiming it is owed $3.4 million in unpaid invoices and development fees for a luxury residential development in Hawthorn. 

Watpac faces a lawsuit by Wyndham City Council over alleged leaks from the roof of the redesigned Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre, which it says cost $3.5 million to fix.