Businesses impacted by one of the world's longest COVID-19 lockdowns will receive $125 million from taxpayers.
Share this @internewscast.com
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.(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”.

The state has announced an agreement to resolve a longstanding issue, according to a spokesperson.

“The parties involved have reached a $125 million settlement, which will prevent extended legal battles,” the spokesperson stated.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, the law firm representing the class action, noted that the settlement marks the end of “years of intense litigation” on behalf of affected businesses.

“This is a major victory for eligible businesses,” said Damian Scattini, a partner at the firm, in a statement. “The period from July to October 2020 posed extraordinary challenges for Victorian retail businesses.”

Scattini added, “The $125 million settlement we secured acknowledges the hardships faced and aims to provide some relief to eligible businesses.”

The application for settlement approval has been postponed to a date yet to be determined.

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

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Discover the Steps to Set SBS News as Your Go-To News Source on Google

Google has launched a new feature in Australia that allows users to…
Father-of-two Blair Campbell (pictured with wife Tina), 35, died after he accidentally hit a substation wire covered in ivy in October 2022

Tragic Loss: Widow Sues Energy Firm After Husband Fatally Electrocuted by Hidden Substation Wire

The widow of a gardener who tragically lost his life due to…

Australia Dodges Recession Fears as Markets Anticipate March Rate Increase

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has expressed confidence that the nation’s economy will…

Iran Refutes Trump’s Ceasefire Assertion, Cautions Nations on Escalating Conflict

In brief Iran’s foreign minister has argued that the United States is…
Kyle and Jackie O's station slapped down by media watchdog

Media Watchdog Takes Action Against Kyle and Jackie O’s Radio Station

The radio network behind The Kyle and Jackie O Show will have…

From Punk Roots to Oscar Buzz: ‘Sentimental Value’ Director’s Unconventional Journey

Long before Joachim Trier ascended to the ranks of Academy Award winners,…
Dubai airport shut as Iran hits Gulf neighbours, keeps stranglehold on oil shipping

Dubai Airport Temporarily Closed Amid Regional Tensions and Oil Shipping Challenges

The early hours of Monday in Beirut were marked by a series…
Trump suggests he may delay China trip as he pressures Beijing for help

Trump Considers Postponing China Visit Amid Strategic Push for Beijing’s Cooperation

US President Donald Trump is suggesting he may delay his much-anticipated visit…
Beachport fishermen found dead

Tragic Discovery: Missing Fishermen Located Deceased Near South Australian Shores

The bodies of three fishermen have been found after they went missing…
Male shoe anxiety hits the Oval Office

White House Fashion Dilemma: Men’s Shoe Choices Stir Up Controversy in the Oval Office

Throughout medieval Europe, the nobility often sparked fashion crazes and controversies with…
Two of this ultra-rare Aussie coin go up for auction

Rare Australian Coins Set to Fetch High Bids at Upcoming Auction

Not one but two of Australia‘s most legendary rare coins – the…
Declan Leask during the trial of the new myki system on Wangaratta's bus network on December 12, 2024. Photo: Jason Robins

Melbourne Unveils Targeted Public Transport Overhaul: What Commuters Need to Know

Until now, every single commuter in Victoria needed to purchase and pre-load…