Fewer filings did not mean a quieter year for class action activity in Australia. Mallesons’ The Review: Class Actions in Australia 2025/2026 examines a year of near-record settlements, renewed momentum in shareholder claims and the expanding intersection between class actions and regulatory proceedings.
Between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, at least 46 new class actions were filed, the lowest number since 2016/17. Yet the stakes remained high, with more than $1.65 billion in settlements approved - the second-highest annual total recorded by Mallesons.
The year also brought significant developments in shareholder class actions and a growing intersection between class actions and regulatory action, alongside continued activity in employment claims and other emerging areas of risk.
Key highlights include:
- Filings fell, but settlements remained high: At least 46 new class actions were filed, while at least 20 settlements were approved, including five worth $100 million or more.
- Shareholder claims regained momentum: Brambles and Worley delivered the first plaintiff wins on causation and loss in Australian shareholder class action history, with the High Court’s pending judgment in Zonia set to further shape the law in this area.
- Regulatory overlap increased: Almost a third of new class actions intersected with a regulatory proceeding, investigation or inquiry.
- Employment claims remained strong: 13 new employment class actions were filed, second only to consumer claims at 16.
- New areas of risk are emerging: AI, cyber, data breaches, unfair trading and ESG-related claims are among the areas to watch.
Now in its 14th year, The Review looks beyond the headline numbers to examine how class action risk is evolving and what businesses and boards should be watching in the year ahead.
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In This Edition
Insight
Living in a material world: Non-financial risks and the new frontier of securities class actions
The review period proved to be a defining year for securities class actions in Australia.
20 August 2026
Insight
Under (parallel) pressure: Class actions and regulatory proceedings
Almost a third of the class actions commenced in the review period intersected with a parallel regulatory proceeding, investigation or inquiry on the same subject matter.
20 August 2026
Insight
In the consumer space, the regulator isn’t the only sheriff in town
We explore Epic Games, a rare example of a consumer class action following on from proceedings brought by private litigants.
20 August 2026
Insight
Employment class actions: No signs of slowing down
Employment-related class actions remained strong in FY26. This article explores the themes that stood out.
20 August 2026
Insight
Drugs and devices on trial: A decade of health sector class actions in Australia
We observe high-profile class actions in Australia against companies relating to consumer health and therapeutic goods, and health services over the decade, and the trends that may influence future class action filing activity.
20 August 2026
Insight
The next frontier: New and novel claims on the horizon
Exploring new categories of class action litigation in Australia including unfair trading practices, climate and environmental claims and digital duty of care.
20 August 2026
Insight
Why are there no copyright class actions?
We explore copyright class actions against AI developers in the United States and why no equivalent proceeding has ever been commenced in Australia.
20 August 2026
Insight
Fee, Fi, Fo, Fund: The state of play in Australian class action financing
We explore important developments across the class action funding environment.
20 August 2026
Insight
The rise of the court-appointed contradictor
The review period has underscored the willingness of Australian courts to appoint contradictors to kick the tyres on settlement distribution schemes and costs-related issues on behalf of group members.
20 August 2026
Insight
Opt out and soft class closure notices: Balancing privacy, reach, and the interests of class members
Courts have continued to refine the requirements for opt out and soft class closure notices, balancing the need to effectively reach group members with privacy, cost and practical concerns.
20 August 2026
