Nannup pursues native title body over 'defamation'

The former chief of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council is pursuing the native title body and its chair for damages over allegedly defamatory comments he claims it published following his removal.

Wayne Nannup has engaged prominent lawyer Martin Bennett to pursue the case against Jeanice Krakouer and the SWALSC in connection with material allegedly published in the SWALSC’s ‘Boorna-Wangkiny’ newsletter and republished by Ms Krakouer last year.

According to a writ lodged in the Supreme Court, Mr Nannup claims the newsletter contained defamatory material that had resulted in him being subjected to hatred and ridicule.

He claims he has suffered loss and damage as a result of the material published and has sought an injunction restraining the two parties from republishing it.

He is also seeking damages, as well as aggravated damages, legal costs and interest.

The newsletter is no longer available on the council's website.

The legal action comes one week before the council's annual general meeting and exactly 12 months after Mr Nannup was removed as chief executive of the native title body following a disputed property deal.

At the time, Ms Krakouer had said the board was concerned about a deal Mr Nannup led to purchase the El Caballo Resort and Lifestyle Village east of Perth for $12 million.

The purchase was intended to provide housing for up to 180 indigenous Australians suffering hardship and offer social services including domestic violence support, childcare facilities and a rehabilitation centre.

The property was one of several purchased by the Aboriginal Housing Recovery Centre, an entity managed by Ms Krakouer, Mr Nannup and former AFL footballer Des Headland.

But concerns were raised about the purchases, with the board arguing that it should have been consulted.

Mr Nannup launched action over the removal, taking the matter to the Fair Work Commission.

A spokesperson from the SWALSC told Business News the organisation was not able to comment.