Sportsbet, KPMG and Macquarie in historic class action blitz – 2 August 2026
Victoria has seen a record surge in class actions against major companies including Sportsbet, KPMG and Macquarie. The cases, involving allegations of consumer, investor and professional misconduct, could affect more than one million people and reinforce Victoria’s position as Australia’s leading class action jurisdiction.
Fitzroy Community School dismissed sexual abuse claims, former students allege – 4 August 2026
An ABC investigation has revealed allegations of child sexual abuse, grooming and a sexualised culture spanning several decades at Melbourne’s Fitzroy Community School. Six former students have come forward with claims dating from the 1970s to the late 2000s, with some preparing civil legal action against the school. Victoria Police are investigating more recent allegations from 2009–2012, while the school has appointed an independent investigator to examine historical claims
IBAC report stops short of corruption finding after years-long Victorian investigation – 5 August 2026
A long-running IBAC investigation has found United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall exerted extraordinary influence in pay negotiations with the Andrews government. The report stopped short of making any findings of corrupt conduct, instead warning such behaviour raised the risk of corruption. Mr Marshall accused IBAC of wasting public money and said its surveillance methods were extreme.
Man charged after allegedly trafficking his wife out of Australia with one-way ticket to Myanmar before revoking her visa – 6 August 2026
A Sydney man has been charged with exit trafficking after allegedly deceiving his wife into travelling to Myanmar on a one-way ticket before cancelling her Australian visa to prevent her return. Police allege the actions amounted to modern slavery, with the case highlighting the growing use of migration-related coercion in domestic abuse and human trafficking offences.
Paul Chiodo hit with fresh ASIC court action over Royce Capital – 6 August 2026
ASIC has launched fresh Federal Court action against Paul Chiodo and Royce Capital, alleging investors were misled and funds were improperly used. The regulator is seeking orders to stop further fundraising and alleges unlicensed financial services activity.
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Man facing fraud charges – 6 August 2026
A 59-year-old Williamstown man has been charged with 309 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception following an investigation into alleged fraud against Geelong disability services provider genU. Police allege more than $10 million was fraudulently obtained over a five-year period, making it one of Victoria’s larger alleged organisational fraud cases. The matter is due before the Geelong Magistrates’ Court later this month.
https://www.krock.com.au/local-news/man-facing-fraud-charges
Stavro D’Amore jailed for misusing nearly $700,000 in Berndale funds – 6 August 2026
Former Berndale Capital Securities director Stavro D’Amore has been sentenced to three years and 10 months’ imprisonment, with a 23-month non-parole period, after dishonestly misusing $681,496 in client funds and submitting false information to ASIC. The Federal Court found he abused his position to enrich himself and conceal the company’s true financial position, contributing to investor losses exceeding $8.9 million following Berndale’s collapse.
Hackers leak sensitive Victorian court data to dark web – 7 August 2026
Sensitive information stolen in a cyberattack on Victoria’s court system has been published on the dark web, including details from family violence and Children’s Court matters. The breach has raised serious privacy and safety concerns, with authorities investigating the leak and working to notify affected individuals.
Former bankrupt coconut water CEO Tim Xenos resentenced on ASIC charges – 7 August 2026
Former Coco Joy CEO Tim Xenos has been resentenced after successfully appealing one conviction, while two other convictions—for managing a company while disqualified and failing to disclose information to his bankruptcy trustee—were upheld. The court imposed a reduced sentence, reflecting the overturned conviction, but reaffirmed the seriousness of the remaining offences involving breaches of corporate and bankruptcy laws.
