Six Trends Shaping Class Action Risk In Australia In 2026

Exposure to class actions remains a reality for businesses operating in Australia, and several emerging trends are set to influence that risk.

As the class action landscape in Australia evolves, so too do the associated corporate risks, creating an increasingly complex and dynamic environment for corporate Australia.

Here we highlight our predictions for class actions for the year ahead, what it means for Australian corporates, and practical tips to stay ahead. What is clear is that 2026 will be yet another defining year for class actions in Australia.

1. Evolving and expanding areas of focus

While filings in consumer and shareholder class actions are expected to remain steady, we anticipate continued growth in employment related claims and an uptick in cyber class actions.