Equine Influenza Test Case Launched In Qld Court
A landmark test case seeking compensation for losses suffered due to Australia's 2007 equine influenza outbreak was lodged in the Supreme Court of Queensland yesterday.
The claim, brought by the Gold Coast legal firm Attwood Marshall Lawyers, on behalf of Wattlebrae Stud at Nobby on Queensland's Darling Downs, is described as "a test case which will affect hundreds of individuals & businesses throughout Australia".
Wattlebrae says it "lost more than $3 million in revenue as a result of introduction of equine influenza to Australia" & the action has been brought against the Commonwealth Of Australia "as the representative of all government instrumentalities associated with introduction & spread of the equine influenza virus".
Attwood Marshall partner Jeff Garrett said he expected to lodge "more than 600 claims if the test case proved successful" & compensation "could extend to more than $60 million". Garrett noted: "There are many people waiting in the wings for the outcome of this case." (Aug 12)
