Compulsory Farmland Acquisition

Since 1983, Sam has utilised his combined skills as an Agricultural Economist and Certified Practising Valuer by performing as an expert witness in court jurisdictions for dispossessed landholders who have received notices of Acquisition. In particular, Sam Paton has been a key witness in landmark court decisions involving compulsory acquisition of land.

These cases include:

• Benton vs VicRoads – Supreme Court of Victoria 1989

• Kozaris vs VicRoads – Supreme Court of Victoria 1989

Sam’s family in north-eastern Victoria are now sixth generation farmers in the grazing and dairying industries, and this historic connection assists in understanding the full impacts of any compulsory acquisition on farming businesses.