Trump Considers Postponing China Visit Amidst Strategic Pressure on Beijing

US President Donald Trump is suggesting he may delay his much-anticipated visit to China at the end of the month as he seeks to...
HomeAUVictorian Taxpayers Incur $125 Million Cost Due to COVID Shutdowns

Victorian Taxpayers Incur $125 Million Cost Due to COVID Shutdowns

Share and Follow
Businesses impacted by one of the world’s longest COVID-19 lockdowns will receive $125 million from taxpayers after a state government agreed to settle the matter.
A class action was brought in the Supreme Court on behalf of businesses impacted financially by Victoria’s 2020 lockdowns.
Retail businesses, including lead plaintiff 5 Boroughs NY Pty Ltd, argued the state government should pay them for economic loss resulting from the lockdown as customers were prevented from attending their physical businesses, due to restrictions between July and October.
Businesses impacted by one of the world's longest COVID-19 lockdowns will receive $125 million from taxpayers.
Businesses impacted by Victoria’s long COVID-19 lockdowns will receive $125 million from taxpayers. (Asanka Ratnayake / Getty Images)
The matter had been listed for trial on March 10, however it was adjourned to a directions hearing at the Melbourne Supreme Court today.

Barrister Adam Hochroth SC, advocating for the class action, announced that the trial had been vacated following a successful settlement between the parties involved.

“While the specific terms of the settlement remain confidential at this point, I can disclose to Your Honour that the settlement amount totals $125 million, encompassing all costs and interest,” he stated in court today.

The court must officially approve the settlement before any funds can be distributed.

Flindres Street Station during lockdown due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus in Melbourne, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. Victoria state, Australia's coronavirus hot spot, announced on Monday that businesses will be closed and scaled down in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)
The Victorian government confirmed the settlement outside of court today (AP)
The Victorian government confirmed the settlement outside of court today, saying it continues to stand by “the steps it took during the pandemic to keep Victorians safe”.

A spokesperson confirmed, “An agreement has been reached to resolve this matter.”

“The $125 million settlement, agreed upon by both parties, will prevent further lengthy legal battles,” the spokesperson added.

The class action’s law firm, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, said the settlement concluded “years of hard-fought litigation” by impacted businesses.

“This is a significant outcome for eligible businesses. July to October 2020 was an extraordinarily difficult period for Victorian retail businesses,” partner Damian Scattini said in a statement.

“The $125 million settlement that we have achieved on their behalf is recognition of this hardship and I hope it provides some measure of relief for eligible businesses.”

The settlement approval application was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Share and Follow