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Black Saturday $300m settlement

AAP

AAP

Black Saturday bushfire victims will share in $300 million after a settlement between them and energy company AusNet Services was approved by a Melbourne court.

The settlement involves the Murrindindi Bushfire Class Action and is separate to the near $500 million payout agreed over the Kilmore East – Kinglake Fire.

• The ins and outs of the Black Saturday settlement

In approving the settlement on Wednesday, Justice Karin Emerton noted those involved in the class action could possibly receive more money if the case went to trial.

But she said there were advantages of finalising the settlement, including avoiding further stress and anxiety for families and a swifter handing over of payments.

“In my view, the advantage of early finalisation of the proceeding is a very important one,” Justice Emerton told the Supreme Court.

“Even if the plaintiff was successful … each stage would give rise to further costs and would delay by years the resolution of group members’ claims.

AusNet will pay $260.9 million, contractor UAM $10 million and the State Parties will pay $29.1 million.

Payments to group members will be split between injury and property claims.

Despite the settlement, Ausnet Services maintains it wasn’t to blame for the fire that resulted in the deaths of 40 people in the Murrindindi fire or more than 170 people across the state.

The total settlement includes just over $20 million in legal fees.

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