Unlawful Bank Fees – Andrews v ANZ
This case was the first major challenge to excessive bank fees charged on everyday accounts. Customers argued that late fees and over-limit charges were unlawful penalties. The High Court partly upheld these claims, forcing ANZ and other banks to adjust their practices. The case demonstrated how class actions could be used to hold financial giants to account for widespread but individually small charges.
- Settlement: Refunds across the banking sector (2016)
- Law Firm: Maurice Blackburn
- Funder: IMF Bentham (Omni Bridgeway)
Government Misconduct – Amato v Commonwealth of Australia (Robodebt)
This landmark class action exposed the government’s unlawful automated debt recovery scheme, which issued incorrect welfare debt notices. Hundreds of thousands of Australians were affected, many suffering severe stress and financial hardship. In 2021 the government agreed to a $1.8 billion settlement and wiped billions in alleged debts. The case not only compensated victims but also sparked a Royal Commission, reshaping public accountability in welfare administration.
- Settlement: $1.8 billion (2021)
- Law Firm: Gordon Legal
- Funder: None (self-funded)
Product Safety – Takata Airbags Class Action
Millions of vehicles were fitted with defective Takata airbags that could explode and cause fatal injuries. This class action forced manufacturers to recall and replace affected vehicles across Australia. Several hundred million dollars were paid in settlements to affected consumers. The litigation highlighted the critical role of class actions in consumer product safety and corporate responsibility.
- Settlement: Hundreds of millions (2018–2020)
- Law Firm: Maurice Blackburn
- Funder: Omni Bridgeway
Investor Misleading Disclosure – Crowley v Worley Ltd
Investors claimed Worley had misled the market by overstating its earnings guidance, inflating the company’s share price. When the true figures emerged, shareholders suffered losses and launched a Federal Court class action. In 2019, Worley settled the claim for $32 million. The case reinforced the duty of listed companies to disclose accurate financial information to the market.
- Settlement: $32 million (2019)
- Law Firm: Maurice Blackburn
- Funder: IMF Bentham (Omni Bridgeway)
Wage Theft – 7-Eleven Underpayment
For years, 7-Eleven franchisees systematically underpaid migrant workers, falsifying records to conceal exploitation. A series of class and regulatory actions exposed the practice and resulted in settlements exceeding $173 million. Thousands of workers received compensation for stolen wages. This case became a symbol of wage theft in Australia and helped spark broader reforms in employment law.
- Settlement: $173 million+ (2015–2020)
- Law Firm: Maurice Blackburn (with Fair Work Ombudsman actions)
- Funder: Not disclosed
Environmental Contamination – PFAS Class Actions
Communities near Defence bases were contaminated by toxic firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals. Residents alleged property value losses, health risks, and environmental harm. In 2023 the Commonwealth agreed to pay $132.7 million to settle multiple actions across several towns. The case demonstrated how class actions can hold governments accountable for environmental mismanagement.
- Settlement: $132.7 million (2023)
- Law Firm: Shine Lawyers
- Funder: IMF Bentham
First Nations Justice – WA Stolen Wages Case
From the 1930s to the 1970s, Aboriginal workers in Western Australia were denied fair wages under “protection” legislation. A class action brought on behalf of surviving workers and their descendants exposed this historical injustice. In 2020, a $180.4 million settlement was approved — one of the largest human rights settlements in Australian history. The case marked a significant step in recognition and redress for Indigenous Australians.
- Settlement: $180.4 million (2020)
- Law Firm: Shine Lawyers
- Funder: Litigation Lending Services (LLS)
Investor Misconduct – GetSwift Securities Class Action
Technology start-up GetSwift was accused of misleading investors with false market announcements and over-inflated growth claims. When the truth emerged, shareholders suffered steep losses and launched proceedings. In 2021, the Federal Court approved a $15 million settlement. The case highlighted risks of hype-driven growth companies and the need for transparency in emerging markets.
- Settlement: $15 million (2021)
- Law Firm: Phi Finney McDonald
- Funder: Vannin Capital
Consumer Finance – Storm Financial Collapse
Storm Financial, a Queensland-based financial advisory firm, collapsed in 2009 leaving thousands of retirees and investors devastated. Class actions targeted major banks alleged to have facilitated Storm’s risky margin lending practices. In 2016, settlements totalling over $300 million were reached. This case, run by smaller firm Levitt Robinson, underscored how class actions can protect vulnerable investors against powerful financial institutions.
- Settlement: $300 million+ (2016)
- Law Firm: Levitt Robinson Solicitors
- Funder: Not publicly disclosed