Peter Spencer: Farm associations where is your support now?

Farm associations were very supportive of the Peter Spencer case back in 2010 but now at the very crucial time of the final court case starting November 24 2014 any support from these farm organisations is conspicuous by its absence.

Letter to the editor, The Land, Nov 6 2014

Wally Mitchell in his letter mentions the NSW ABC Country Hour interview with Hugh Nivison, Chairman of the Trust administering the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF).

Recently in my role as chair of Property Rights Australia I was informed by a member who spoke with the AFFF secretary and that upon inquiring why AFFF was not backing the Peter Spencer case with funding was told that,

"they were prepared to support him but he to date had not accepted their offer”

The response from the Peter Spencer team upon being informed of how AFFF were deflecting any heat from their lack of action was,

"There has been no offer from AFFF to Spencer to resume funding of the case.  Spencer is providing some documents to AFFF relating to the case requested, by them. "

This is worst than just being unhelpful.

 

NFF president in 2010, David Crombie
photo sourced The Land

The 9th August 2010 media release by NFF president David Crombie, Farmers’ property rights under siege . Earlier in March 2010 David Crombie made strong statements in the article, Families and natural justice suffer as property rights usurped.  

“It’s a perfect scam where state and federal governments use their respective powers in concert to effect property takeover but avoid paying ‘just terms’ compensation. Enough is enough."

 

Peter Spencer needs your support, to learn how you can help please read the following article:
PETER SPENCER NEEDS YOUR HELP

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Peter Spencer: NFF withdraws funds

by Ian Hampton

Peter Spencer, photo sourced ABC

On Thursday 6 March, on the NSW ABC Country Hour, Michael Condon interviewed Hugh Nivison, Chairman of the Trust administering the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund (AFFF). 
 

The interview was in response to Spencer supporters informing the Country Hour that the fighting fund assistance used to back the legal fight against the Commonwealth had been stopped, and that this untimely withdrawal has left Spencer 'high and dry' at a critical time as the case is getting closer to going to trial.

 

However, when challenged by Michael Condon, Mr Nivison said that was not accurate.  Mr Nivison “blew a bit of smoke”, saying the fund had only committed to funding the process of legal discovery and is now looking at the documents to see if any more assistance is warranted, according to the merits of the evidence.  He also said "It is a complicated issue and we want to have a look at the evidence before we make a decision on where we go to from here," he said.

There is a report on the issue, and an audio of the interview on http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-06/nrn-spencer-case-funding-in-limbo-6-3-14/5303300

Nivison’s statement lacks credibility.  Peter Spencer’s solicitor, Mr Peter McKell was advised by letter in January that the funding was to cease and the letter is clear and makes no such qualification.  It includes the following words “the Trust has now carefully reviewed the above matter post discovery.  As a result of this review the Trustees have formed a view to no longer support the case, and the Trust therefore will provide no further funding for this matter (Spencer v The Commonwealth of Australia)”.

The AFFF website home page includes the following two statements:  

“Established in 1985 - by farmers for farmers - the Australian Farmers' Fighting Fund (AFFF) provides financial, legal and professional assistance to farmers facing major issues that have the potential to set legal precedents.”

 

“The AFFF supports farmers in their fight against unfair and unwarranted barriers to the development of sustainable farming practises and vibrant regional communities.” 

Surely the Spencer case meets both of these tests.  One has to wonder why the AFFF Trustees firstly, and without qualification withdrew the AFFF funding, and when challenged resorted to making politician like statements about their support – when the Fund’s continued support is most needed.

 

The Spencer camp are not inclined to let the issue rest; it is hoped that a supporter will be interviewed on NSW Country Hour in the near future to clearly put forward the facts of the issue.

 

Previous related posts

Peter Spencer Update May 2013

 

SPENCER GAINS GROUND IN FEDERAL COURT

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