VFF facing new Supreme Court action from a second ousted UDV member

Bruce Vallance, Nirranda, is seeking an injunction to prevent his ousting from the VFF.

Mr Vallance was president of the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria's (UDV) Wannon branch and represented south-west Victoria on the VFF water council until his expulsion.

The document filed by his lawyers claims the VFF's decision was "tainted by apprehended bias".

It said information was not brought to the attention of the VFF board, Mr Vallance was denied procedural fairness and that the VFF had breached its own constitution.

Members can be ousted if they act contrary to, or in disregard of, the constitution, in any manner prejudicial or detrimental to the VFF's interests, if subscriptions are unpaid, or "on grounds prescribed and published from time to time by the board".

The constitution says members get at least 30 days' notice of a proposed termination and what is alleged.

The member should also have the opportunity to appear before the board or send a written explanation.

The claims are similar to those lodged in the Victorian Supreme Court a week earlier by UDV Corangamite branch secretary Ian Morris, who has also been expelled by the VFF.

Under orders signed by Justice Keogh, the VFF must not take any further steps to elect the UDV president or make any announcements about an appointment before Mr Morris' case is heard again on May 26.

The timing is important because the UDV had planned to finalise the election, as well as the appointment of several policy council positions, at its April 28-29 annual meeting and conference.

Paul Mumford had planned to retire from the presidency at the annual meeting but his term does not officially end until December and it's understood he may stay on in the top job until the court action is finalised.

Stock & Land was unable to reach Mr Vallance this week and the VFF said it couldn't comment on the issue while the matter was before the courts.