Press Release: EI OUTBREAK
LAWYER WARNS CLASS ACTION IS INEVITABLE FOR EI OUTBREAK
The Senior Partner of a leading litigation firm specialising in the thoroughbred industry has
warned that the staggering losses suffered in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry
will ultimately fall upon the shoulders of the Government or the companies responsible for the
quarantine procedures in Australia. Jeffrey Garrett of Attwood Marshall Lawyers says that his
firm has already received several enquiries from studs, racehorse owners and broodmare
owners concerning possible compensation. He said:
"Its early days yet but it would appear that the lockdown is going to affect all
stakeholders in the industry and cause massive losses to owners, trainers and the
participants in the breeding industry especially. The lockdown means that no
broodmares can travel between any of the studs.
There are a lot of very valuable broodmares out there who are ready to cycle and
be served by top line stallions. Even if this process is thrown out by a week or two
(some sources say one month), this will have a devastating effect on the industry
as a whole and cause massive losses. The people who suffer those losses will be
looking to seek compensation from whoever caused the outbreak.
It is inevitable that a class action will be brought by those who have suffered
losses".
Mr Garrett said that he would be monitoring the developments closely and keeping his clients
advised as to exactly what their rights to compensation were and how best to deal with the
matter. He said that some clients may have insurance policies which will assist them but most
people won't have insurance cover for this type of unique occurrence.
"Its all very well for Government Ministers and industry commentators to say that
the industry will simply have to wear this loss. Most people will want to recover
that loss if they have a sustainable cause of action against those that have caused
this potentially catastrophic outcome".
Anyone interested in receiving some preliminary information about a proposed class action can
contact the Attwood Marshall hotline on 1800 621 071 or email info@attwoodmarshall.com.au.
