IN HIS final week in the Federal Court, Cooma farmer Peter Spencer was given the floor on Thursday to summarise his landmark case.
It was his chance to persuade the court why the NSW and Commonwealth governments should award him compensation for the property, "Saarahnlee", which he owned until 2010.
Mr Spencer alleges his farm business went bankrupt as a result of the enactment of the State's native vegetation and land clearing laws, which he says were a directive of the federal government.
His case hit the headlines in 2010 when he staged a 52-day hunger strike on his property.
Mr Spencer took the opportunity on Thursday to impress upon Judge Debbie Mortimer that the Commonwealth actively urged NSW to enforce its land clearing laws as a way to meet its Kyoto Protocol targets, and in doing so, side-stepped its constitutional responsibility to compensate land owners for their assets.
"The Commonwealth actively drove NSW to take action to get around the limitations impressed up on it by the constitution," Mr Spencer said.
"There has been an acquisition - not an extinguishment or termination - of my property rights, and the Commonwealth is implicated up to its neck."
Mr Spencer, who is representing himself in the case after the Australian Farmers Fighting Fund withdrew their financial backing, also claimed his opponents used dirty tactics in the courtroom throughout the case's three week duration.
"They have attempted to throw dust in my eyes and the eyes of the court," he said.
"But for me, it's not a game, I am thirsty for justice."
Mr Spencer must now submit a written version of his arguments on or before February 2, 2015.
The respondents must submit their arguments by February 18, and following this the court will deliver its decision in three to six months.
