News Brief: High Court Ruling on Sydney Light Rail Compensation
Summary
The Australian High Court has overturned a previous appeal ruling, clearing the path for Sydney CBD businesses to seek compensation for disruptions caused by the delayed and over-budget light rail project.
Key Points
- Core Ruling: The High Court found the NSW government liable for “substantial interference” to businesses during the light rail construction.
- Project Impact: Construction ran from 2016 to 2020 (one year late), costing $2.96B—$1.3B over budget—causing noise, dust, and access issues.
- Legal Journey: Two lead businesses initially won $4M, lost on appeal, but the High Court has now reinstated the right to compensation.
- Broader Implications: Up to 300 other businesses may now claim compensation. The case is being watched in Canberra and the Gold Coast where similar disruptions occurred.
- Limitation: The court rejected a claim for businesses to also secure legal funding costs.
新闻简报：高等法院对悉尼轻轨赔偿案的裁决
摘要
澳大利亚高等法院推翻了先前的一项上诉裁决，为悉尼中央商务区的企业就轻轨项目延误和超支造成的干扰寻求赔偿扫清了道路。
关键点
- 核心裁决：高等法院认定新南威尔士州政府对轻轨建设期间对商家造成的”实质性干扰”负有责任。
- 项目影响：建设工程从2016年持续到2020年（延误一年），最终成本达29.6亿澳元——超支13亿澳元——并带来了噪音、粉尘和通行问题。
- 法律历程：两家牵头企业最初获赔400万澳元，在上诉中败诉，但现在高等法院恢复了其获得赔偿的权利。
- 更广泛影响：多达300家其他企业现在可能提出索赔。堪培拉和黄金海岸等地也在密切关注此案，当地轻轨建设也曾造成严重干扰。
- 限制条件：法院驳回了企业为其诉讼资助方获取费用的请求。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-17/high-court-appeal-light-rail-class-action-result/106152520