Marven Poultry Pty Ltd - Authorisation - A90750

Authorisation for collective negotiations of chicken growers in Victoria with their processor. ADJR appeal by VFF on grounds of denial of natural justice due to alleged bias of Commissioner and improper exercise of Commission powers.

The Commission granted authorisation, subject to conditions, on 28 June 2001, for Victorian chicken growers and their individual processors to collectively negotiate growing contracts in accordance with a Code of Conduct. The VFF appealed the decision to grant authorisation on ADJR grounds (applicant was not a party to the arrangements or acting on behlf of any one who was, apprehended bias on the part of the Commission). The apprehended bias claim was dimised however the invalidly lodged application claim was upheld by the Full Bench of the Federal Court and the Authorisation was set aside, effective from 3 Spetember 2003.