Litigation funder Omni Bridgeway says the Victorian and Queensland governments have given their consent to join two separate cladding class actions it is pursuing in the Federal Court.

The lawsuits against the makers of Alucobond PE and Vitrabond core cladding products are seeking damages for alleged product liability, false or misleading representations and misleading conduct.

Omni Bridgeway says section 33E(2) of the Federal Court of Australia Act states that “certain persons are required to give their consent to be a group member in a representative proceeding”.

The consent from Victoria and Queensland means they now join owners’ corporations, commercial building owners and public bodies in all states and territories seeking compensation from Alucobond makers 3A Composites GmbH and Halifax Vogel Group Pty and Vitrabond manufacturer Fairview Architectural.

There are likely to be more than 1000 group members that are the subject of the class actions.

Omni Bridgeway says the estimated total amount of the claims for compensation will likely exceed $500 million.

The Victorian Government last year unveiled a $600 million program for remediation of dangerous cladding materials in high-rise buildings, with the repairs to be funded in part via a levy on building permits.