Bank evicts farmer

Wednesday, June 9, 1993 - 10:00

Bank evicts farmer

By Chris Spindler

ADELAIDE — The South East Action Group staged a blockade of a fellow farmer's property on June 3 after Westpac bank foreclosed on the mortgage and moved to evict the farmer and family.

The bank, with a court order, used police to break the protest and carry out the eviction.

The South East Action Group was formed in March. Some farmers came from as far away as Swan Hill to join the protest. A mock grave was set up to highlight the growing suicide rate in the countryside, which has been blamed on financial stresses. Trucks formed the blockade.

Police cut through the fence and changed the locks on the house to take possession. The farmer has been threatened with trespass charges if he comes near the property.

From GLW issue 103