Grand Prix organisers lose $2.84m appeal over Robbie Williams concert
Grand Prix organisers must pay $2.84 million to a music promoter over a cancelled Robbie Williams concert.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation failed to overturn a $2.84 million compensation order. Three Court of Appeal justices unanimously refused their appeal on Monday.
The concert was scrapped when the Formula One event at Albert Park was cancelled on March 13, 2020 due to COVID-19. A 2024 Victorian Supreme Court ruling found organisers had deceived the promoter.
They claimed the state's chief health officer had ordered the concert cancelled when no such directive had been given. The judge found organisers sent a misleading email claiming health advice supported cancellation.
- $2.84 million
- Compensation ordered
- March 13, 2020
- Event cancelled
- Brett Sutton
- Health officer
- World Touring Melbourne
- Promoter
Why it mattersThe ruling holds major event organisers accountable for misinformation about government health advice and affirms contractors' right to damages from false claims.
AustraliaThe decision sets a precedent for Australian event organisers over handling of government health communications during emergencies.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
