There seems little chance that parties seeking compensation for the impact of the Federal Government’s June 2011 suspension of live cattle exports to Indonesia will see a result anytime soon.

A class action was launched against the Federal Government almost two years ago with backing from the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund.

Lawyers representing the affected parties allege that the Gillard Government’s decision was made with unreasonable urgency and secrecy, without supporting information or adequate legal advice, and showed a reckless disregard for the impacts of the decision.

The case continues to drag on through the Federal Court, with a hearing date set for next year.

“Unfortunately the Commonwealth is showing no sign of wanting to settle the case and provide some much needed support to those who suffered loss as a result of this decision in 2011,” AFFF chair Hugh Nivison told Beef Central this week.

“Costs to industry continue to rise.”

Evidence from Brett Cattle Company, which is leading the claim on behalf of the live export industry, has now been filed in the Federal Court including expert reports on the state of the industry and estimated losses.

Mr Nivison said delays continue to frustrate the process, with the Commonwealth now required to file evidence on behalf of the former Agriculture Minister, Joe Ludwig, in the first week of October 2016, having requested an extension from August.

The case has been set for two weeks of hearing in July next year.