THE Federal Government rejected a counter offer in the long-running class action over the unlawful closure of the live cattle export trade in 2011.
In the the three years since the 2011 ban was found to be unlawful, no one has received a pay out except for the leaders of the class action the Brett family.
A settlement figure has been a long running issue in the class action, with the lawyer leading the class action, which was widely discussed at last year’s Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association conference. The Labor Government made an offer of $215m, which was rejected by the class who made a counter offer of $510m plus costs and interest.
The group of 215 parties to the class action include cattle producers, exporters and independent service providers, such as veterinarians and musterers, who were devastated by the Government’s decision to shut down the trade.
National Farmers’ Federation acting chief executive officer Charlie Thomas said the Government had ignored an opportunity to address years of financial and emotional pain, and allow claimants to put the saga behind them once and for all.
“This is a petty and callous move by a Government which seems determined to deny justice to these families at all costs,” he said.
“They had the chance to do the right thing and end years of pain. Instead, they’ve chosen to allow this matter to fester and be dragged back through the courts
“The Government’s political decision to end live export virtually overnight, showed disregard for its own departmental advice, and caused widespread financial damage, family break ups, and even suicide among those impacted.
“Far from acting as a model litigant, they’re now pulling out every delay tactic they can find to avoid making good on their wrongdoing.
“It seems likely at this point that the Government’s tactics will force this matter back into the courts to secure an outcome.
“While this is no doubt a disappointing day for those impacted, we’ll continue to stand alongside them until this matter is resolved.”
Source: NFF
Government has betrayed the claimants’, the industry, and rural and regional Australia. Government is being completely disingenuous and bastardly in their actions, especially since claiming they would act as model litigants in this case. Which they are NOT!
The Class is not holding up this case, despite suggestions by the disingenuous Attorney General.
Government had a real opportunity to end this case, end the pain, end the hurt, and give closure to so many in the industry.
This case is no longer about a Live Export class action; it is instead one of Government bullying, using taxpayers money to extend, to draw out, to bring further harm to hardworking rural Australians.
These are cowardly actions and highly disrespectful to the claimants.
Remember, the class has won this case, the court has ordered the Government to settle.
Our intention of a counter offer was to bring an end to this case for everyone, the government, the class, the tax payer. It was a generous offer given the totality of the claim and properly designed to give some benefit to all parties.
However this is not about money, this is about politics and political power. It is not government money but our money, taxpayers money, that the government is pissing up against a wall by spuriously extending the life of this case.
Almost the same cabinet members that made the illegal decision to close Live Export in 2011 are back in the cabinet again today. This case is being run by a Government that can’t stand rural and regional Australia and wish to play politics with peoples lives paid for with unlimited tax payers funds.
If they think we are going down with out a fight, they have sadly misjudged our resilience, forged from a lifetime of dealing with tough conditions, tough climate and tough people.
David Connolly
President
Northern Territory Cattlemans Association (NTCA)