Victorian Nationals MP Tim McCurdy is accused of fraudulently reaping more than $160,000 through the sale of a dairy farm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ovens Valley MP allegedly misused the name of a former colleague's real estate agency to sell two farms near Cobram in 2009.
McCurdy is accused of dishonestly pocketing a sales commission worth $163,900 and attempting to dishonestly obtain another commission worth $105,105.
He's standing trial in Victoria's County Court on three charges of using false documents, and one charge each of obtaining and attempting to obtain property by deception.
Prosecutor Susan Borg said McCurdy began the sale of the properties legitimately while working for the New Zealand-owned PGG Wrightson Real Estate.
IN OTHER NEWS:
After the company shut up shop in Australia, McCurdy is alleged to have completed the two sales using the real estate agency name of former PGG colleague Andrew Gilmour.
McCurdy was not authorised to act on behalf of Mr Gilmour's agency, Ms Borg told the court on Wednesday.
She also said Mr Gilmour only found out when he received a call from a solicitor saying one of the properties was due to settle.
After this, Ms Borg said Mr Gilmour wrote to McCurdy noting the man was not and never had been an employee of Gilmour and Co Real Estate.
Acting for McCurdy, Ian Hill QC said his client was acting with Mr Gilmour's permission and approval, and there was a signed document to prove it.
"There was no dishonestly or deception," Mr Hill said.
The trial continues.
Australian Associated Press
