New South Wales Junior Doctors Underpayment Class Action

Client Overview

From 16 December 2014 to 21 March 2024, current and former junior medical officers were affected by wage underpayments relating to rostered and unrostered overtime, unpaid meal breaks and superannuation. The class action, filed by Dr Amireh Fakhouri in December 2020 against the New South Wales Ministry of Health and the State of New South Wales, sought to recover unpaid wages for current and former junior doctors during this period.

​Engagement Scope​

Our forensic accounting team was engaged to quantify unpaid wages, assess payroll and rostering data and provide independent forensic accounting support for the class action proceedings.

Our Approach

We conducted a detailed forensic accounting review to calculate the financial entitlements of affected junior medical officers and validate employer records. This included:

• Quantification of Wage Shortfalls: Analysed timesheets, payroll records and roster data to determine underpayments for rostered and unrostered overtime, meal breaks and superannuation.
• Data Validation: Reconciled multiple payroll systems, hospital records and employee submissions to ensure accuracy and consistency across claims.
• Modelling: Prepared alternative modelling based on differing sources of information to confirm validity of compensation claims.
• Claim Preparation: Assisted in the structuring of claims made, submissions and modelling schedules to support litigation strategy and mediation discussions

Key Findings and Outcomes​

The matter involved complex calculations which ultimately resulted in a $229.8 million settlement, one of the largest underpayment class action resolutions in Australian history.

• Record Settlement Achieved: Facilitated resolution of 16,000 registered claims, providing timely compensation to current and former junior medical officers.
• Strengthened Litigation Strategy: Provided robust, independent financial evidence supporting plaintiffs’ legal arguments and settlement negotiations.
• Efficient Resolution: Settlement reached through mediation avoided protracted court proceedings, reducing cost, duration and uncertainty for all stakeholders.
• Broad Redress: Delivered measurable financial compensation and clarity for thousands of affected junior doctors across multiple jurisdictions.

Secure Fair Compensation with Expert Forensic Accounting

Our Forensic & Litigation specialists deliver expert financial insights to support claims, guide legal strategies, and ensure measurable, effective resolutions. Speak with our team today to explore your options.

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