Businesses win $125 million settlement over Victoria’s 2020 Covid lockdowns
Victorian businesses have secured a $125 million settlement from the state government following a class action over financial losses incurred during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns.Summary
Businesses in Victoria, Australia, will receive $125 million after a settlement was reached with the state government regarding financial losses sustained during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdowns. A class action, brought before the Supreme Court on behalf of affected businesses like 5 Boroughs NY Pty Ltd, argued the government should compensate them for economic losses resulting from restrictions imposed between July and October 2020. The trial was vacated after a settlement was reached, with the total amount including costs and interest. The Victorian government confirmed the agreement, stating it continues to stand by the measures taken to protect public health during the pandemic. Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, the law firm representing the class action, described the settlement as a “significant outcome” and acknowledged the hardship faced by Victorian retail businesses during that period. Formal court approval is still required before the funds are distributed to eligible businesses.
(Source：Smartcompany)