PRESS RELEASE: Coles and Woolworths Class Actions Progress with Key Court Orders

2 September 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coles and Woolworths will separately face a joint trial next year over allegations of false or misleading representations to consumers about their discount pricing claims.

The Federal Court has confirmed that the class action proceedings being run by Gerard Malouf & Partners on behalf of everyday shoppers will be run alongside the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) proceedings against the supermarket giants.

Joint trial benefits: With the class actions running alongside the ACCC trial, the Court has ensured the proceedings move forward efficiently, with reduced costs and maximum protection for group members. The class actions are paused until the ACCC liability judgment is delivered, avoiding duplication and reducing legal costs for group members.

ACCC Trials to decide liability: The Court will first hear the ACCC’s case on whether Coles and Woolworths made false and misleading representations in their respective discount price campaigns. If liability is established, the findings will also apply to the class actions, which will then move directly to the question of compensation for group members.
Access to key evidence: GMP Law will have access to all evidence, submissions, and transcripts from the ACCC liability trials, ensuring the class actions benefit from the ACCC proceedings.

Class member rights are protected: GMP Law retains the right to intervene in the ACCC liability trials if issues arise that impact group members, and the right to appeal liability findings if necessary.

Next Steps: The next case management hearing is set for 10 September 2025 in Melbourne, where the Court will finalise opt out arrangements. An opt out process will begin in mid-September 2025.
“This is an important milestone for group members. The Court’s decision to align our class action with the ACCC proceedings streamlines the path to justice, reduces costs, and strengthens the prospects of securing fair compensation if liability is established,” said Gerard Malouf, Founder and Chairman at GMP Law.

The class actions continue alongside GMP Law’s broader mission of protecting the rights of individuals. The firm has recovered more than $4 billion in compensation for clients across personal injury, medical negligence, and consumer law cases.
GMP Law will continue to provide updates as the matter progresses and once trial dates are confirmed.

ENDS