The class action

The Plaintiff has been conducting a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria, on its own behalf and on behalf of “group members”, against the State of Victoria and certain other Defendants. The class action seeks compensation for certain retail businesses as a result of the “second wave” lockdown that occurred in Victoria from July to October 2020. The Plaintiff alleges that the lockdown was a result of negligence in relation to the hotel quarantine program. The Defendants deny the Plaintiff’s claims and any liability.

Proposed settlement of the class action

The Plaintiff and the Defendants have agreed to settle the class action. However, the Court must approve the proposed settlement for it to take effect. If the Court approves the proposed settlement, it will apply to all group members, except group members who have opted out.

Proposed amendment of group member definition

The Plaintiff proposes to amend the group member definition. If the Court approves this amendment it may change who the group members are and this might have an impact on who is affected by the proposed settlement. The Court has therefore determined to hear the application for the amendment of the group member definition before hearing the application for approval of the settlement.

More information

Further details of the proposed amendment to the group member definition, including how you can object to the proposed amendment, can be found in the long- form notice of proposed amendment to group member definition available on the website of Quinn Emanuel, the solicitors for the Plaintiff in the class action,
at https://hotelquarantinesettlement.com.au