---
title: "Opt-out notice distribution plan (Federal Court class action, GPN-CA Part 12)"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/precedents/class-actions-representative-proceedings/opt-out-distribution-plan"
type: "precedent"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "a7-opt-out-distribution-plan"
area_id: "A7"
kind: "checklist"
ai_level: "yellow"
version: 1
task_ids: ["A7-D20261018-2", "A7-T1-R4"]
law_stated_as_at: "2026-10-22"
---

# Opt-out notice distribution plan (Federal Court class action, GPN-CA Part 12)

> Plan for how an opt-out notice will reach class members: plain-language content headings, the respondent's records, objections, and the Court's approval of the manner of distribution.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/precedents/class-actions-representative-proceedings/opt-out-distribution-plan  
Law stated as at: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

- Kind: Checklist. Steps or checks to work through and tick off.
- Practice area: [Class Actions / Representative Proceedings](https://ailawframework.com/precedents/class-actions-representative-proceedings.md)
- Jurisdictions: Australia, Commonwealth
- AI level: Yellow. You and the tool draft together, with you directing. You check every statement you rely on.
- Law stated as at: 2026-10-22
- Status: Maintained. Checked on 2026-10-22 against the authority it cites, for Australia and Commonwealth.

## When to use it

Use when preparing for the case management hearing that will set the timing and manner of the opt-out notice. The notice itself is a separate document and is approved by the Court before it is sent.

## Used for these tasks

- [Build the notice-distribution plan and the distribution record](https://ailawframework.com/practice/class-actions-representative-proceedings/build-the-notice-distribution-plan-and-the-distribution-record.md)
- [Draft class notices: opt-out, registration and settlement](https://ailawframework.com/practice/class-actions-representative-proceedings/draft-class-notices-opt-out-registration-and-settlement.md)

## How AI may be used

AI may draft the distribution table from the class definition and the known data sources. The lawyer writes the notice and decides the media.

**AI may:**

- List likely class-member data sources already named in the file (share register, customer list, employment records)
- Turn paragraph 12.2 into a heading list for the lawyer's draft notice
- Record dates for conferral with the respondent about use of its records

**AI must not:**

- Must not write the notice that will be filed or sent to class members
- Must not describe the claims, the defences or the funding terms
- Must not treat a plan as approved before the Court has approved the manner of distribution

**The lawyer checks:**

- The notice, once drafted by the lawyer, is in plain language and covers consequences of staying in and of opting out, including the effect of a judgment or settlement on other proceedings
- The notice alerts class members to any costs agreement or funding agreement and its consequences
- Use of the respondent's records has been raised, and any objection has been conferred on before it is taken to the Court
- The manner and timing are put to the Court for approval. Sections 33X and 33Y are cited in the practice note and are opened before the orders are sought

## Authorities

- [Federal Court of Australia, Class Actions Practice Note (GPN-CA) paragraphs 12.2 to 12.6 (content of the opt-out notice, use of the respondent's records, Court approval of distribution, timing at a case management hearing)](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/law-and-practice/practice-documents/practice-notes/gpn-ca)

## Full text and drafting notes

The full text and the drafting notes are not part of this public page. Signed-in firm accounts can read them at https://ailawframework.com/precedents/class-actions-representative-proceedings/opt-out-distribution-plan and through the signed-in MCP connector https://ailawframework.com/mcp/firm.

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*