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AAP
AAP
National
Tara Cosoleto

Trial over Melbourne towers COVID lockdown

Public housing residents locked down in July 2020 are suing the state government for compensation. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

A trial has been listed for a group suing the Victorian government over its controversial decision to lock down nine public housing towers.

More than 3000 residents were forced to stay inside the North Melbourne and Flemington buildings in July 2020.

The immediate COVID-19 lockdown was announced at a 4pm press conference on July 4, with many of the residents unaware of the order until police arrived outside.

The group are suing the State of Victoria for compensation in the Victorian Supreme Court, claiming the state government subjected them to 14 days of false imprisonment.

The plaintiffs also claim they had inadequate access to food, medicine, information and assistance.

The parties held a case management hearing before Supreme Court Justice John Dixon on Monday.

The case has been listed for an estimated 20-day trial in September next year.

About 30 witnesses expected to be called to give evidence.

A further case management hearing will take place at the Victorian Supreme Court in January.

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