Life Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Federal Court Dismisses Class Actions for COVID Business Interruption Claims

Federal Court Dismisses Class Actions for COVID Business Interruption Claims

Federal Court Dismisses Class Actions for COVID Business Interruption Claims?w=400

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.

The Federal Court has determined that business interruption claims related to COVID-19, involving four insurers, should not proceed as class actions.
This ruling obliges individual policyholders to pursue their cases separately if they wish to proceed.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Healthscope's Contract Terminations: Implications for Millions of Australians
Healthscope's Contract Terminations: Implications for Millions of Australians
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Healthscope, Australia's second-largest private hospital operator, has announced the termination of its agreements with major health insurers Bupa and the Australian Health Services Alliance (AHSA). This decision is set to affect approximately 6.6 million Australians, potentially leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses for those seeking treatment at Healthscope's 38 hospitals nationwide. - read more
Government Directs Health Insurers to Increase Private Hospital Funding
Government Directs Health Insurers to Increase Private Hospital Funding
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has issued a directive to health insurers, requiring them to allocate a greater portion of their increased premiums to private hospitals. This move aims to enhance patient care and support the financial stability of private healthcare facilities. - read more
AMA Report Card Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance
AMA Report Card Reveals Erosion of Value in Private Health Insurance
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has released its latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, indicating a concerning trend where Australians are paying higher premiums for private health insurance while receiving diminished value in return. - read more
Allianz Australia and AWP Australia Penalised for Misleading Practices
Allianz Australia and AWP Australia Penalised for Misleading Practices
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant regulatory action, Allianz Australia and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined $16.8 million for making false and misleading statements to consumers. This penalty underscores the critical need for transparency and honesty within the insurance industry. - read more
Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Northern Australian Homeowners
Rising Insurance Premiums Challenge Northern Australian Homeowners
06 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Homeowners in Northern Australia are grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, despite the establishment of a cyclone reinsurance pool intended to alleviate such financial burdens. This situation raises critical questions about the pool's effectiveness and the broader challenges facing the insurance industry in high-risk regions. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Securing Your Family's Future: How Life Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
Securing Your Family's Future: How Life Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
Life is a tapestry of precious moments, each framed by the inevitable uncertainty that the future holds. The awareness that our paths are peppered with unpredictability can often cast a shadow of concern, affecting how we cherish the present. For many, the well-being of family remains the cornerstone of life's purpose, driving the need for a foundation that offers stability and reassurance in the face of life's unexpected challenges. - read more
Life Insurance for Entrepreneurs: Protecting Your Business and Family
Life Insurance for Entrepreneurs: Protecting Your Business and Family
Life insurance is a financial product designed to provide a safety net for your loved ones and business in the event of your passing. At its core, life insurance aims to deliver financial protection by paying out a lump sum or ongoing payments to a designated beneficiary upon the insured's death. - read more
Unexpected Illness & Injury: Navigating Financial Security for Your Family
Unexpected Illness & Injury: Navigating Financial Security for Your Family
Life is an unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns that can challenge even the most prepared among us. Sudden illnesses and unexpected injuries are just some of the uncertainties that can disrupt the harmony of family life. The emotional turmoil brought on by these circumstances is often compounded by the financial strain they can cause. It's during these trying times that the true value of peace of mind becomes clear. - read more
Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage
Understanding Your Insurance Needs at Every Life Stage
Navigating the complex world of insurance can often feel daunting, but understanding the importance of life stage consideration when choosing life insurance is essential. As we journey through the various chapters of our lives, our financial responsibilities, dependents, and personal circumstances evolve. These changes invariably have significant implications for our insurance needs. - read more
Covering the Unexpected: A Guide to Trauma Insurance for Australian Families
Covering the Unexpected: A Guide to Trauma Insurance for Australian Families
Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more


Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Disability Insurance:
A type of insurance protection that pays a portion of a person's income lost due to a total or partial disablement arising from either an accident or a sickness.