Key points:
- A Victorian dairy farmer has won a court case he brought against the state’s peak farmer advocacy group
- Ian Morris claimed he was unfairly terminated as a member of the Victorian Farmers Federation
- Justice John Dixon today declared the move was invalid and ordered the VFF pay a portion of Mr Morris’ costs
Cobden farmer Ian Morris was a member of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, the dairy arm of the Victorian Farmers Federation, and earlier this year nominated as a candidate in an election for the role of president.
However, he successfully sought a court injunction to have the election delayed so claims he was unfairly expelled from the group could be considered.
Today in the Supreme Court of Victoria Justice John Dixon declared “that the board’s resolution [to expel Mr Morris]) … is invalid”.
“He was not provided with proper notice of what is alleged against him and was therefore not given a meaningful opportunity to give a personal explanation to the board,” Justice Dixon told the court.
“Mr Morris was not afforded natural justice in the process that concluded with the decision to terminate his membership,” Justice Dixon said.
Outside court, Mr Morris welcomed the ruling.
“It’s a clear win for UDV and VFF members” Mr Morris said.
The case which was heard in the Supreme Court over multiple days will have financial ramifications for the VFF as it was ordered to pay a portion of Mr Morris’ costs.
Another VFF member, Bruce Vallance, has also brought a case against the organisation for terminating his membership.
The VFF has been contacted for comment.
