ABC News Daily

Do class actions really deliver justice?

4 snips
Aug 3, 2025
Anne Connolly, an investigative reporter with the ABC known for her impactful work on Four Corners, delves into the world of class actions in Australia. She reveals the complexity of these lawsuits that often leave victims shortchanged while enriching lawyers. The discussion highlights a significant class action by taxi drivers against Uber, scrutinizing the fairness of settlements influenced by litigation funders. Connolly also examines the historical injustices faced by Indigenous workers and the skewed financial dynamics that challenge the pursuit of true justice.
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ANECDOTE

Taxi Drivers vs Uber Story

  • Taxi driver Stephen LeCars lost half a million dollar licence value when Uber entered Queensland.
  • After a $272 million settlement, he estimated his payout at $20,000 after fees and commissions.
INSIGHT

Profit Drives Class Action Selection

  • Class actions have shifted to law firms and funders choosing cases for profit rather than victim demand.
  • This raises concerns over justice prioritised less than financial gain in class actions.
ANECDOTE

Indigenous Stolen Wages Class Action

  • Indigenous 90-year-old Minnie MacDonald was lead plaintiff in stolen wages class actions aimed at historic injustice.
  • Settlements gave most victims about $10,000, while lawyers and funders made tens of millions.
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