High Court victory in bank fees class action

11 May 2012
The High Court of Australia today agreed to expedite an appeal by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers regarding a Federal Court ruling against group members made in December, in respect of some of the fees ANZ Bank would have to defend in the nationwide class action series against bank exception fees.

Speaking from outside the High Court in Canberra today, Senior Associate from Maurice Blackburn, Paul Gillett, said it was an important victory for those involved in the class action.

"Today's decision will allow this appeal to bypass the Full Federal Court and ensure the appeal gets straight to where it ultimately needs to be heard, in the High Court of Australia," Mr Gillett said.

"This decision will save time, money and resources for the courts and the parties involved, allowing everyone's energies to be better spent.

"These class actions against unfair bank charges are the largest in Australia's history - more than $220 million for fees charged against around 170,000 customers from eight banks - and it continues to grow."

Registrations to join the bank fees class actions are still open through Financial Redress at www.financialredress.com.au.

History

  • 22 September 2010: First bank fees class action filed against ANZ
  • 5 December 2011: Justice Gordon in the Federal Court finds that late payment fees are capable of being penalties, but finds for ANZ on other fees
  • 16 December 2011: Class actions filed against Commonwealth, Westpac, NAB and Citibank
  • 22 December 2011: Maurice Blackburn appeals adverse findings in Justice Gordon's December judgment
  • 1 February 2012: Class action filed against Westpac subsidiaries St George and BankSA
  • 18 April 2012: Class action filed against Bankwest
  • 11 May 2012: High Court upholds request from Maurice Blackburn to have the adverse finding appeal bypass the Full Court of the Federal Court and go directly to the High Court of Australia.