The Victorian government agreed to the payout in a class action lawsuit over 2020 hotel quarantine failures that triggered 768 deaths and the world’s longest lockdowns from March 2020 to October 2021.
Around 16,000 businesses registered, with roughly $85-90 million left for them after legal fees — averaging $5,000 to $7,500 each based on losses.
Critics like former Premier Jeff Kennett blast it as dodging accountability for Daniel Andrews’ leadership, while Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes calls it a smart move to avoid trial costs amid the state’s $170 billion debt.
For operators like CBD restaurateurs who closed for months, the money brings some closure, though hardships persist ahead of November’s election.
