Victorians to foot $50 million bill over Dan Andrews' hotel quarantine mess

A years-long class action initiated by over 1,000 Victorian business owners against the state government, stemming from losses incurred during the July 2020 lockdown, has been settled. The lockdown was triggered by failures in the government’s hotel quarantine program to contain COVID-19 infections. An inquiry previously found that the program contributed to 768 deaths and 18,000 infections due to poor health controls. While a trial was scheduled for March 2026, the suit was quietly resolved after years of negotiation, with the Victorian government expected to pay approximately $50 million in damages. Legal firm Quinn Emanuel, leading the case, is reportedly set to receive around 30% of the settlement amount. The businesses involved argued that the virus escaped from hotels like Rydges and Stamford Plaza, leading to widespread community transmission, and that the government’s negligence was directly responsible. The State of Victoria had attempted to dismiss the suit, but was unsuccessful. This settlement brings an end to a contentious legal battle related to the handling of the pandemic in Victoria.

(Source：Daily Mail Online)