A “true gentleman” of the Northern Territory cattle business who helped lead a profitable class motion in opposition to the reside cattle export ban has died aged 83.
Key factors:
- Colin Brett is being remembered for his positivity and “quiet power”
- Trade leaders say he leaves a “super legacy”
- The Brett household’s win in a category motion lawsuit in opposition to the federal authorities is being described as a win for all cattle producers
Colin Brett’s household had been lead claimants within the class motion in opposition to the federal authorities’s snap ban on the reside cattle commerce to Indonesia in 2011, which the Federal Court later ruled was unlawful.
He lived at Waterloo Station, a 240,000-hectare cattle property 900 kilometres south-west of Darwin, which his household purchased in 2004.
Remembered as a “beneficiant” and “outstanding” man who “exuded positivity”, Mr Brett was identified to be fast with a smile and all the time variety along with his phrases.
NT Cattlemen’s Affiliation (NTCA) president David Connolly mentioned the pastoral business was “deeply saddened” by his demise.
“His and his household’s contributions to the business are profound and can function an incredible legacy far into the longer term,” Mr Connolly mentioned.
“As proud as Colin was of his nation and his cattle, his household had been all the time his focus.”
Writer and NTCA life member Terry Underwood mentioned her gratitude and respect for Mr Brett was “immeasurable”.
“He and his household labored laborious to personal and handle one of many few remaining privately-owned cattle stations amidst the ever-expanding company giants and landowners,” she mentioned.
Ms Underwood mentioned the Brett household “with Colin on the helm, took on the Australian authorities” as leaders of the reside export class motion.
“Their fearlessness and fact stood our business in good stead,” she mentioned.
“Their victory was a win for all of us.”
‘Quiet power’
In 2020 the Brett household was profitable in its class motion, which ultimately included a whole bunch of cattle producers and transport companies from throughout northern Australia.
Cattle Australia chief govt Luke Bowen, who led the NTCA through the reside export ban, mentioned Mr Brett “exuded positivity and help” for the business.
“Via probably the most tough occasions for his household, with business and group in disaster, his quiet power and care gave hope and resolve … and gave all of us the power to struggle again,” Mr Bowen mentioned.
“Our business will always remember.”
Talking in 2020 after the federal courtroom’s ruling on the category motion, Mr Brett mentioned he felt frequent sense had prevailed.
“From my family’s viewpoint, it is not the cash we had been involved about as a lot as the federal government not having the ability to do that ever once more,” he mentioned.
“They’ve to present our business and different industries extra time to regulate to what they’re about to do.”
The Brett Cattle Firm has acquired compensation from the federal authorities, however it remains the only business to be paid out from the live export class action.
Mr Brett tragically lost his son Dougal in a helicopter accident on the household property in 2015.
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