Maurice Blackburn

May 12, 2023

In its complaint, the Melbourne-based law firm alleges the private health insurer failed to take steps to protect the privacy of its customers’ personal information and sensitive health information from interference, loss, unauthorised access and unauthorised disclosure. In an announcement made on the ASX today, Medibank confirmed it is being investigated by the OAIC regarding Maurice Blackburn's complaint in parallel to the Commissioner's own probe. Maurice Blackburn national head of class actions Andrew Watson, who is leading the Medibank class action, welcomed the decision to investigate from the OAIC. “It was always our view that the OAIC should investigate this breach and whether victims of the Medibank data breach should be eligible for compensation,” Watson said. “It is well known that the disclosure of this information has caused millions of Australians significant distress. The complaint lodged with the OAIC offers an avenue of redress to those affected by this incident. “Nothing will ever undo the damage that has been caused by this data breach, but the OAIC agreeing to investigate our complaint to seek compensation from Medibank, including for financial and non-financial loss, is a significant step that we hope will go some way to providing a measure of justice for those impacted.” Members of the claim are seeking compensation for the time and money spent replacing identity documents, in addition to other measures to protect their privacy and prevent the increased likelihood of them falling victim to scams and identity theft. US-based firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan also launched legal proceedings against the company , alleging it breached its disclosure obligations by not disclosing to the market the alleged deficiencies in its cyber security systems.