Anyone who’s shopped for electronics in Mackay knows that JB Hi-Fi at Caneland Central is a go-to spot, but behind the shelves a national legal battle is unfolding over how extended warranties were sold. Learning about the class action and the company’s ownership structure helps make sense of what’s happening both at your local store and across the country.
Stores in Australia: Over 200 · Founded: 1974 · Headquarters: Southbank, Victoria, Australia · Parent company: JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) · Mackay store location: Caneland Central, Mangrove Road · Mackay store phone: (07) 4957 7783
Quick snapshot
- Located in Caneland Central (JB Hi-Fi store finder)
- Phone: (07) 4957 7783 (JB Hi-Fi store finder)
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM weekdays, 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM Sunday (JB Hi-Fi store finder)
- Class action lawsuit by Maurice Blackburn (Supreme Court of Victoria)
- Allegations of misleading refund policies on extended warranties (Maurice Blackburn)
- Impact on customer trust and operations (Supreme Court of Victoria)
- Initial trial starts 5 October 2026 (Maurice Blackburn)
- Opt-out deadline passed 29 May 2026 (Supreme Court of Victoria)
- Outcome could affect extended warranty practices nationwide (Maurice Blackburn)
Six key facts show where the company stands today:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 |
| Stores in Australia | Over 200 |
| Parent Company | JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) |
| Revenue (2024) | Approximately $10.2 billion (group) |
| Mackay Store Address | Caneland Central, Mangrove Rd, Mackay QLD 4740 |
| Mackay Store Phone | (07) 4957 7783 |
Why is JB Hi-Fi getting sued?
What is the JB Hi-Fi class action about?
The company is facing a group proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria over extended warranties sold between January 2011 and December 2023 (Supreme Court of Victoria (government court authority)). The court notice states that the proceeding alleges JB Hi-Fi engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct by representing that its extended warranties offered longer coverage and additional benefits beyond what Australian Consumer Law already provides for free.
Maurice Blackburn, the law firm leading the action, says these warranties had little or no value because consumers already have repair, replacement, or refund rights without paying extra (Maurice Blackburn). The claimed class period covers more than a decade, and any customer in Australia who bought an extended warranty from JB Hi-Fi in-store or online during that time is considered a group member.
If the court finds JB Hi-Fi misled customers, it could be forced to compensate millions of warranty buyers and change how extended warranties are marketed at stores like the one in Mackay.
Who is behind the JB Hi-Fi lawsuit?
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers is the lead plaintiff firm (Maurice Blackburn). The action is against JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd. Justice Delany of the Supreme Court of Victoria has ordered the initial trial to begin on 5 October 2026 and run for an estimated six weeks (Maurice Blackburn; also reported by Inside Retail (Australian retail news outlet)).
The pattern: The timeline is set — the question now is whether JB Hi-Fi will settle before trial or defend its practices in court.
What is the JB Hi-Fi scandal?
What happened to JB Hi-Fi in 2025?
In March 2025, news outlets reported that Maurice Blackburn had filed the class action, bringing the extended warranty allegations into the public spotlight. JB Hi-Fi responded by stating it takes compliance seriously, denies the allegations, and intends to vigorously defend the proceedings (Inside Retail).
The scandal centers on the accusation that for over a decade, JB Hi-Fi sold what SBS quoted Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer Miranda Nagy as calling “little more than a junk add-on to consumers’ purchase of household goods” (SBS News (public broadcaster)).
How does the scandal affect customers in Mackay?
Any Mackay shopper who purchased an extended warranty from the Caneland Central store between 2011 and 2023 is automatically part of the group action unless they opted out by the 29 May 2026 deadline (Supreme Court of Victoria). The outcome could mean compensation for eligible customers, and it may influence how the Mackay store discusses warranty options in the future.
For Mackay consumers, the biggest change may come even before the trial: expect refurbished warranty offerings or clearer disclaimers at the counter as the company adjusts to legal pressure.
The implication: The legal pressure is already prompting changes at the counter, even before a verdict.
Who owns JB Hi-Fi now?
Is JB Hi-Fi owned by the Good Guys?
No — it’s the other way around. JB Hi-Fi Limited owns both the JB Hi-Fi brand and The Good Guys, after acquiring the latter in 2016 for $870 million (JB Hi-Fi about us (corporate overview)). Both chains operate as separate retail banners with distinct pricing and product ranges.
Are Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi the same company?
They share the same parent company, JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), but the stores are not the same. The Good Guys targets a slightly higher price point and emphasises whitegoods, while JB Hi-Fi focuses more on consumer electronics. In Mackay, shoppers can visit both stores: JB Hi-Fi at Caneland Central and The Good Guys at the nearby Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre.
Why this matters: One company controls two of the largest electronics chains in Australia, giving it significant leverage in supplier negotiations and pricing power that smaller competitors lack.
Is JB Hi-Fi bigger than Harvey Norman?
A quick comparison of the two competitors across key metrics:
| Metric | JB Hi-Fi | Harvey Norman |
|---|---|---|
| Stores in Australia | Over 200 | Over 300 (including franchised) |
| Annual group revenue (2024) | ~$10.2 billion | ~$3.2 billion (franchise) |
| International presence | Australia & New Zealand | Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, Slovenia, Croatia |
Sources: JB Hi-Fi annual results and Harvey Norman annual report; see JB Hi-Fi about us and Inside Retail for revenue context.
What are the sales comparisons?
JB Hi-Fi consistently reports higher electronics revenue than Harvey Norman in Australia, even though Harvey Norman has a larger total store footprint. The gap reflects JB Hi-Fi’s focus on high-volume categories like laptops, phones, and gaming consoles, while Harvey Norman relies heavily on furniture, bedding, and franchise operations.
How do JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman differ?
Harvey Norman stores operate under a franchise model, meaning individual owners set pricing and service levels, whereas JB Hi-Fi runs company-owned stores. In Mackay, that means the JB Hi-Fi staff follow uniform policies set by head office — which is relevant given the class action could force changes to those very policies.
The trade-off: JB Hi-Fi’s centralised control makes it easier to implement company-wide changes (like warranty refund reforms), but also means one lawsuit can affect all stores, including the one in Mackay.
Is JB Hi-Fi only in Australia?
Where else is JB Hi-Fi located?
JB Hi-Fi operates exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. Its New Zealand stores are branded as JB Hi-Fi and contributed about 5% of group revenue in 2024. There are no stores in other countries, unlike Harvey Norman’s international reach.
What does JB stand for in JB Hi-Fi?
The “JB” stands for the founders’ initials: John and his brother (though the full story notes the chain was started by John Barbuto and his family). The name was chosen to sound tech-friendly and has stuck since the first store opened in Melbourne in 1974.
The pattern: Despite its Australian roots, the brand’s legal troubles highlight how consumer protection laws apply equally to home-grown giants.
Timeline of key events
- 1974: JB Hi-Fi founded in Melbourne, Australia.
- 2016: JB Hi-Fi acquires The Good Guys for $870 million (JB Hi-Fi about us).
- March 2025: Maurice Blackburn files the class action; allegations become public (Inside Retail).
- 29 May 2026: Opt-out deadline passes (Supreme Court of Victoria).
- 5 October 2026: Initial trial begins, estimated duration six weeks (Maurice Blackburn).
What this means: The legal clock is ticking, and Mackay consumers should stay informed.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- JB Hi-Fi is being sued in a class action by Maurice Blackburn (Supreme Court of Victoria).
- JB Hi-Fi owns The Good Guys (JB Hi-Fi about us).
- JB Hi-Fi operates stores in Australia and New Zealand (JB Hi-Fi about us).
- JB Hi-Fi Mackay is located in Caneland Central (JB Hi-Fi store finder).
- The opt-out deadline for the class action was 29 May 2026 (Supreme Court of Victoria).
What’s unclear
- Exact outcome of the class action lawsuit.
- Full scope of alleged misconduct — details still emerging.
- JB Hi-Fi’s exact market share vs Harvey Norman varies by product category.
- Whether JB Hi-Fi will settle before the October 2026 trial.
- The exact number of extended warranty buyers affected is not specified.
These uncertainties underline why Mackay shoppers should stay tuned to court updates.
Quotes from the key players
“[The extended warranties are] in most cases little more than a junk add-on to consumers’ purchase of household goods.”
— Miranda Nagy, Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn (as quoted by SBS News)
“JB Hi-Fi takes compliance with its legal obligations seriously. It denies the substance of the claims against it and intends to vigorously defend the proceedings.”
— JB Hi-Fi corporate spokesperson (as reported by Inside Retail)
These opposing positions set the stage for what could be one of Australia’s largest consumer class actions.
What this means for Mackay shoppers
The class action isn’t just a corporate legal battle — it directly affects anyone who bought an extended warranty from JB Hi-Fi Mackay between 2011 and 2023. If the court rules against JB Hi-Fi, those customers may be entitled to compensation without having to prove individual harm. Even if the case settles, the retailer will likely reform how it sells warranties across all its stores, including in Mackay. For shoppers in Mackay, the choice is clear: either follow the court proceedings to claim any potential compensation, or risk missing out on a refund for a product the law already covered for free.
Frequently asked questions
What are the JB Hi-Fi Mackay opening hours?
Typically 9 AM – 5:30 PM weekdays, 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM Sunday. Check the JB Hi-Fi store finder for holiday changes.
Does JB Hi-Fi Mackay have a phone number?
Yes, call (07) 4957 7783 during store hours.
Is there a JB Hi-Fi store near me in Mackay?
JB Hi-Fi Mackay is located in Caneland Central, Mangrove Rd. Use the store finder for directions.
What is the JB Hi-Fi Mackay catalogue this week?
Weekly catalogues are posted on the JB Hi-Fi catalogues page. Check for Mackay-specific offers.
Can I return an item bought at JB Hi-Fi Mackay?
Yes, standard JB Hi-Fi return policy applies: 30 days for change of mind, subject to conditions. Extended warranty refunds may be affected by the class action.
Does JB Hi-Fi offer price matching in store?
Yes, JB Hi-Fi generally matches local competitors’ prices on identical items. Ask in store at Mackay.
How can I contact JB Hi-Fi Mackay customer service?
Call (07) 4957 7783 or visit the store in Caneland Central.
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Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Reef Brief.