Federal Court Dismisses Class Actions for COVID Business Interruption Claims

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Justice Michael Lee announced on Friday that proceedings are adjourned pending the issuance of "declassing orders," following arguments from insurers against group actions. Policyholders who had hoped to be part of the class actions will receive notices explaining their rights and options for individual claims.

The legal firms involved, including Gordon Legal and Slater & Gordon, had initiated cases against multiple insurers. Specifically, Gordon Legal filed on behalf of Cody Gemtec Retail t/as the National Opal Collection against Syndicate 2003 at Lloyd’s, and Strand Fitness and others against QBE. Slater & Gordon filed cases for CMC Hospitality against Insurance Australia, and Vicki Field Swim School against Hollard.

An IAG spokesperson welcomed the decision, urging customers with potential COVID-19-related business interruption claims to file those claims individually to facilitate efficient assessment through their standard process. The company also highlighted that a further case management hearing is anticipated and the appeal period remains active, promising updates "at the appropriate time."

James Naughton, a partner at Gordon Legal, told insuranceNEWS.com.au that individuals are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their options for submitting individual claims against their insurers.

The court had previously ordered that policyholders be notified to register their interest in the proposed class actions, which garnered thousands of responses by a set deadline earlier this year.

1. Cody Gemtec Retail t/as the National Opal Collection vs. Syndicate 2003 at Lloyd's
2. Strand Fitness vs. QBE
3. CMC Hospitality vs. Insurance Australia
4. Vicki Field Swim School vs. Hollard

John Berrill, the principal of Berrill and Watson Lawyers, clarified that Friday's ruling addresses only the procedural aspect of how claims should be resolved-individual vs. class actions-without commenting on the validity of the claims. He emphasized the importance of policyholders understanding their rights and considering their options promptly since claims linked to the 2020 pandemic lockdowns are approaching the six-year statute of limitations for legal action.

Published:Tuesday, 24th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

CHU Introduces Cyber Coverage in Strata Insurance Policies

22 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to address the evolving risks faced by strata communities, CHU Underwriting Agencies has incorporated cyber protection into its residential strata insurance policies. This enhancement provides coverage of up to $50,000 for losses resulting from social engineering fraud, a type of cybercrime where perpetrators impersonate trusted contacts to manipulate payment instructions. - read more

QBE Introduces Comprehensive Add-Ons to Landlord Insurance Policies

22 May 2026: Paige Estritori

QBE Insurance has unveiled significant enhancements to its commercial landlord insurance offerings, introducing a suite of optional add-ons designed to provide more comprehensive protection for property owners. These strategic enhancements aim to equip brokers with additional tools to better serve their clients in a competitive market. - read more

Blue Zebra Partners with New Underwriters for Home and SME Insurance

22 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Blue Zebra, a prominent underwriting agency, has announced a new capacity arrangement for its home building and contents, landlord, and SME package products. The agency has partnered with a co-insurance panel comprising Chubb, AIG, and HDI Global Specialty, marking a significant shift in its underwriting partnerships. - read more

The Rise of Autonomous Machinery in Australian Agriculture

21 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent years, Australian agriculture has witnessed a notable shift towards the adoption of autonomous machinery. This trend reflects a broader global movement aimed at enhancing efficiency and productivity in farming operations. However, despite the growing interest, several challenges continue to impede widespread implementation across the sector. - read more

Analyzing the 2026-27 Federal Budget's Impact on Agriculture

21 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The recently announced 2026-27 Federal Budget has introduced several measures with significant implications for the Australian agricultural sector. These initiatives aim to bolster the industry's resilience and address pressing challenges faced by farmers nationwide. - read more

Click for more Insurance News