Maurice Blackburn Sues Qantas on Behalf of Data Breach That Involved Millions
Source: Qantas
A huge class action is now in motion after Qantas admitted that a cyber incident saw the compromise of private details of over 5.7million Australians. Maurice Blackburn, one of Australia’s largest class action law firms, has entered the scene, filed legal proceedings and a formal complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
This is not a matter of corporate accountability now, but individual concern as it relates to millions of Australians.
What Happened?
Qantas has identified a data breach dated 30 June 2025 where customer details, stored in the airline’s Frequent Flyer program, and contained within its online channels were revealed.
While money information such as passport numbers and credit card numbers wasn’t revealed through the breach, other personal information was. Names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, loyalty program data, and even gender and orders taken were all potentially put at risk.
On its face, this may look harmless—but collectively, these pieces of information can open doors to identity theft, phishing scams, and targeted fraud.
Maurice Blackburn Enters the Ring
For Maurice Blackburn, this isn’t business as usual—it’s history in the making and holding corporations accountable for the growing number and size of data breaches.
The company has lodged a national class action on the grounds that Qantas failed in its duty under the Privacy Act to keep customers’ data safe. They are urging affected Australians to register online and join the action in order to seek compensation.
Maurice Blackburn class action and legal leader Angus Macdonald added customers “need not pay the cost of poor data practice,” particularly where their trust had been violated by one of Australia’s best-loved brands.
Legal Firepower and a Speedy Response
Qantas isn’t going to let the matter pass over its head either. The airline acted swiftly to approach NSW’s Supreme Court for an interim injunction. The injunction aims to hold back any party—be it hackers—from disseminating or publishing the stolen data.
In the meantime, Qantas is working very closely with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Australian Federal Police to study the attack and limit its effects. While no ransom was paid, the carrier admits it’s in high alert mode and has enhanced security protocols on all internal systems.
But lawyers say this may be too little, too late.
The Emotional Toll: It’s More Than Just Data
While the legal teams wrestle over responsibilities and regulations, everyday Australians are left feeling exposed and betrayed.
Sarah, a long-time Frequent Flyer member from Melbourne, says she didn’t realise how vulnerable she felt until Qantas emailed her about the breach.
“I’ve trusted Qantas for years. My whole family flies with them. It’s scary knowing someone could have access to all those details—even my kid’s name and age,” she says.
Sarah’s tale is becoming typical, and consumers are more and more annoyed at the corporate jargon and opacity.
Bigger Trend: When Breaches Are Normal
This Qantas breach is just one of a string of high-profile cyber breaches by companies such as Medibank and Optus. Tolerance is declining for lukewarm apologies and sluggish reactions. Australians are beginning to call for stronger interrogation:
- Why does this keep happening?
- Who’s actually protecting our data?
- And when things do go wrong, who pays?
For Maurice Blackburn, this class action is about finding answers—not just dollars.
Their campaign is as much about law as it is about society. It is a shift in the way data breaches are handled in the country and can serve as a wake-up call for other businesses to enhance their cyber measures before damage is done.
What Compensation Looks Like
While no figures have been released to date, the class action is seeking damages for distress, increased risk of fraud, and time and money spent retrieving personal information after the breach.
It may include paying for identity-monitoring services, moving phone numbers, and dealing with possible scams.
Qantas’ Side of the Story
Qantas refuses to compromise on customer safety being their priority. A spokesperson said the airline moved quickly, informed the affected and provided them with support in the way of free ID protection services.
The airline has also established an information website and call center to assist affected customers and caution them against potential scam behavior that impersonates Qantas.
But for others, trust lost is hard to regain.
Also Read: Tim Tszyu Fight Time: Australia’s Quiet Warrior Back for Revenge
How to Join the Class Action
If you were affected by the breach, you don’t need to have suffered financial loss to join.
Maurice Blackburn are accepting registrations. It is free and non-binding to join, so you can opt out if you wish. Pop along to their website, fill out the form, and wait for further legal news.
This is your chance to hold one of Australia’s biggest companies to account—because your own personal information should never be an afterthought.
Final Thoughts: Data Is the New Currency
In the digital age, your personal data is more valuable than ever—along with trust.
This class action may be a turning point in how Australia manages corporate data breaches. For ordinary Australians, it’s a timely reminder to remain vigilant, question everything, and demand openness.
Because when your private life is bartered without your knowledge, staying silent is not an option.
