Maurice Blackburn today announced it will appeal the Black Saturday Class Action tax dispute decision of the Federal Court.
If the appeal is successful the Scheme Administrator may make a further distribution to claimants, rather than paying that money to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
“In all the circumstances, we consider that an appeal is in the best interests of claimants,” a Maurice Blackburn spokesperson said.
The Federal Court of Australia handed down a decision on 28 February which had the effect that the Scheme Administrator – Maurice Blackburn – had to pay withheld funds to the ATO.
Maurice Blackburn has carefully reviewed the Court’s decision and taken advice from independent tax lawyers as to whether an appeal should be taken.
It is unclear as to exactly how long the proposed appeal might take to be heard and decided upon.
A date for the appeal and initial case management hearing is yet to be advised.
For further information on the tax dispute and the decision of the Federal Court please go to https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/class-actions/current-class-actions/bushfire-class-actions/
If you have any further questions about this issue, please contact the Bushfire Class Action on 1800 99 55 70.
IMAGE: Cameron Scott, Maurice Blackburn/SUPPLIED.
