Herald Sun: East West Link stalled amid protester Tony Murphy’s High Court bid. Shannon Deery. 27 September 2014
Protester Tony Murphy has appealed a Supreme Court decision rejecting his request to access the Napthine Government’s business case. Picture: Nicole Garmston
The state Government plan to sign the contracts for East West Link has stalled pending the outcome of a High Court bid by protester Tony Murphy.
Lawyers for the Government today gave an undertaking in the High Court not to sign contract before 12pm on Monday.
This extends undertaking to the Victorian Court of Appeal not to sign before 10am on Monday when the court will give its decision on whether or not reinstate Mr Murphy’s lawsuit against the project.
They refused a suggestion to hold off on signing any contracts until at least 4pm on Monday.
Mr Murphy has appealed a Supreme Court decision rejecting his request to access the Napthine Government’s business case. That decision will be handed down on Monday.
He will then return to the High Court seeking a lengthy injunction.
It could block the government from signing contracts for weeks.
Justice Susan Crennan said today she would consider the injunction application on Monday after the Court of Appeal handed down its decision.
That decision will be delivered at 10am.
The parties will then reconvene in the High Court at 11.30am.
A Government spokesperson said it had extended its existing commitment by two hours until 12 noon Monday as a “courtesy to the court”.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Pallas said the government should hold off on signing any contracts until after November’s election.
“Denis Napthine shouldn’t sign these contracts. He should let Victorians decide.”
More to come.
