Victoria’s peak farming body has won a Federal Court case brought by disgruntled members to remove the organisation’s leadership.
The court hearing, which lasted under 30 seconds, comes after renegade Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) members started agitating back in June to remove the president and vice-president, alleging poor financial management, communication and a decline in membership.
The legal challenge against the farming body was led by plaintiff Andrew Weidemann, a Rupanyup farmer and former VFF Grains Group president.
Justice Jonathan Beach rejected the plaintiff’s case, with the court adjourned in about 17 seconds.
“This matter was heard by me over two days, Mr Weidemann has failed in respect of all of his claims,” Justice Beach said.
“I publish my reasons.”
“The orders that I make are, one, the plaintiff’s originating application be dismissed. Two, the plaintiff pay the defendant’s costs.”
Both Mr Weidemann and VFF President, Emma Germano declined to comment and said lawyers were working through Justice Beach’s judgement.
Mr Weidemann gathered more than 200 signatures from VFF members earlier in the year, petitioning the board to hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
The EGM request was twice rejected by VFF, claiming the requests were invalid which led Mr Weidemann and his group to challenge the VFF in federal court in an effort to force a leadership spill.
The VFF successfully argued in court that there is no mechanism to remove its president.
The lobby group has more than 6,000 registered members.
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