![SETTLEMENT: Julian Fidge says he is happy with the outcome after reaching a settlement with fellow former councillor Tammy Atkins over comments she made. SETTLEMENT: Julian Fidge says he is happy with the outcome after reaching a settlement with fellow former councillor Tammy Atkins over comments she made.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/e8uBJxuTc2fGAziDArmhm5/b2f9b88b-53da-42bd-ba10-2684a57ab944.jpg/r0_41_3456_5054_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
JULIAN Fidge is claiming a legal victory over former Wangaratta Council colleague Tammy Atkins.
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Dr Fidge instigated legal action last year alleging Ms Atkins defamed him with comments she made against him in the Wangaratta Chronicle newspaper before the council's dramatic sacking at the hands of former Local Government minister Jeanette Powell in September 2013.
He issued a statement about the matter on Monday.
"I am very happy to announce that Tammy Atkins and I have reached a settlement for my claims of defamation by her of myself in the Wangaratta Chronicle," he said.
"The terms of the settlement are confidential.
"I am very happy with the outcome and I hope that the settlement will encourage Tammy Atkins to think carefully before making unfounded public accusations in the future.
"I am continuing to have discussions with my lawyers about the actions of the former council management team and some former councillors, with a view to pursuing further damages claims against them."
Ms Atkins has been approached for comment.
Dr Fidge said he paid all his legal costs.
"I do not know if Tammy Atkins was indemnified for this legal action," Dr Fidge said.
"But I hope that indemnity is not activated where councillors are not performing their duties as a councillor.
"I hope that Tammy Atkins has had to pay for all of the costs she has incurred in defending the action.
"Otherwise, there is no incentive for her not to repeat her poor behaviour."
Wangaratta Council has also been approached for comment.
Dr Fidge also had legal action against council pending before dropping the move.
It related to comments made by former by former chief executive officer Doug Sharp about Dr Fidge to staff in 2013.
Dr Fidge denied he called council staff incompetent.
Last year he contested the Victorian election as an Australian Country Alliance candidate.
He lost to Nationals MP Tim McCurdy, who he claimed had attempted to deceive voters with election advertising material.
Dr Fidge dropped legal action he had instigated against Mr McCurdy.
Dr Fidge has announced he will stand for pre-selection for the Australian Country Alliance at the next federal election.
He and Ms Atkins were both elected to council in 2012.
Administrators are in charge of Wangaratta Council until elections next year.