Latest news with #ICSA
Agriland
2 days ago
- Politics
- Agriland
Claim that emissions targets could lead to less food production
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) has warned that Ireland is at risk of meeting its emissions targets at the expense of rural communities, food security, and the future of farming. ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan was speaking following the Agriculture and Climate Change Conference, which was held at Dublin Castle this past week (Thursday, June 5). 'It is all very well defining success by hitting targets, but what happens when we look around and realise there are no farmers left on the land?' he commented. 'We cannot afford to lose the people, the communities, and the generations of farming knowledge that make food production possible in this country. 'There appears to be a complete lack of joined-up thinking when it comes to reaching our climate goals. 'Farmers are being squeezed from all sides – expected to cut outputs, and compete for land with energy production, solar farms, biomass, and rewetting etc. At the same time, sectors like aviation face little scrutiny,' he said. The ICSA has questioned why Dublin Airport Authority is not held accountable, for instance, when it wants to increase passenger numbers by 25%. 'It all adds up to farmers becoming increasingly frustrated by a system that demands more and more from them, with little in return,' Phelan added. 'There is an excessive fixation on agricultural emissions, while the carbon being sequestered every day on farms – through hedgerows, grasslands, and soils – is being completely ignored. 'The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in particular, shows no real interest in acknowledging this reality. It's a clear case of not being able to see the forest for the trees, and farmers are expected to just accept that policy is being shaped without seeing the full picture.' Food production The farm organisation has said that food security must not be forgotten in the climate debate and that policymakers and the public cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a growing global population to feed. 'We need climate plans that reflect the complexity of land use, respects the role of farmers, and gives them real tools to be a bigger part of the solution,' Phelan stated. 'Farmers want to play their part, but that goodwill will evaporate if they continue to feel vilified rather than supported.'
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
Umpire-on-the-run rushed to hospital after serious car crash
Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell has reportedly had life-saving surgery after a car crash on a country road in Victoria. Pannell is wanted by the law and only yesterday there was mystery surrounding his whereabouts after he failed to show up at the Supreme Court. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Troy Pannell fails to show up in court. Now it has been reported that he is in a serious condition at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. He was reportedly 'rushed to Melbourne' after a 'single vehicle crash' on Friday night. 'It's understood Pannell's car ran off the road in rural western Victoria on Friday and hit a tree, with no other vehicle nearby at the time,' the News Corp report said. Pannell is being pursued by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping, who allege he defrauded them over $8.7 million. The 48-year-old's name was called out at Victoria's Supreme Court on Friday but he was not in attendance. It's the second time he has missed a scheduled court appearance and arrest warrant was issued to bring the former AFL umpire before Justice Andrew Watson in a civil case. Only yesterday the court believed he had left Victoria and was possibly heading to South Australia. Officers had been instructed to keep him in custody until the next hearing. Pannell officiated 291 AFL games from 2005 to 2018 — including a controversial 2016 match where he awarded 17 free kicks to the eventual flag-winning Bulldogs and only one to Adelaide during a regular season game. It has been alleged that Pannell generated invoices to pay a company named Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors (ICSA) to repair damaged shipping containers, with each 'repair' costing SeaRoad $800 to $900. It is also alleged that Pannell had authority to approve purchase orders up to the value of $5000, and it was only when a finance manager noticed ICSA was not registered for GST that suspicions were raised. SeaRoad alleges ICSA did no work to repair any containers and never checked the work had been done as it trusted Pannell to follow the proper processes of the company. 'SeaRoad is satisfied you have committed serious misconduct. You have been the sole shareholder and director of ICSA from 2010 to date. We find your response that you did not know you held these positions to be fanciful,' a letter from SeaRoad to Pannell, tendered in the civil court case, read. A forensic search has also revealed that Pannell apologised to his wife Lynise Woodgate in an email sent in October, 2023. The email was titled 'Love U', and Pannell wrote: 'I'm so sorry for everything …. I don't know (w)here 3 years have gone, we have been so busy …. And had I realised everything I am feeling right now, 3 years ago … … I would not feel the way I do today. 'Hopefully your day is not too stressful u there, and enjoy your night.'
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell rushed to hospital after car crash
Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell has reportedly had life-saving surgery after a car crash on a country road in Victoria. Pannell is wanted by the law and only yesterday there was mystery surrounding his whereabouts after he failed to show up at the Supreme Court. Now it has been reported that he is in a serious condition at The Alfred Hospital. He was reportedly 'rushed to Melbourne' after a 'single vehicle crash' on Friday night. 'It's understood Pannell's car ran off the road in rural western Victoria on Friday and hit a tree, with no other vehicle nearby at the time,' the News Corp report said. Pannell is being pursued by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping, who allege he defrauded them over $8.7 million . The 48-year-old's name was called out at Victoria's Supreme Court on Friday but he was not in attendance. It's the second time he has missed a scheduled court appearance and arrest warrant was issued to bring the former AFL umpire before Justice Andrew Watson in a civil case. Only yesterday the court believed he had left Victoria and was possibly heading to South Australia. Officers have been instructed to keep him in custody until the next hearing. Pannell officiated 291 AFL games from 2005 to 2018 — including a controversial 2016 match where he awarded 17 free kicks to the eventual flag-winning Bulldogs and only one to Adelaide during a regular season game. It has been alleged that Pannell generated invoices to pay a company named Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors (ICSA) to repair damaged shipping containers, with each 'repair' costing SeaRoad $800 to $900. It is also alleged that Pannell had authority to approve purchase orders up to the value of $5000, and it was only when a finance manager noticed ICSA was not registered for GST that suspicions were raised. SeaRoad alleges ICSA did no work to repair any containers and never checked the work had been done as it trusted Pannell to follow the proper processes of the company. 'SeaRoad is satisfied you have committed serious misconduct. You have been the sole shareholder and director of ICSA from 2010 to date. We find your response that you did not know you held these positions to be fanciful,' a letter from SeaRoad to Pannell, tendered in the civil court case, read. A forensic search has also revealed that Pannell apologised to his wife Lynise Woodgate in an email sent in October, 2023. The email was titled 'Love U', and Pannell wrote: 'I'm so sorry for everything …. I don't know (w)here 3 years have gone, we have been so busy …. And had I realised everything I am feeling right now, 3 years ago … … I would not feel the way I do today. 'Hopefully your day is not too stressful u there, and enjoy your night.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
AFL umpire is caught out telling a stunning lie about his mother after dodging court AGAIN for allegedly masterminding $8.7million scam
Proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria have escalated against former AFL umpire Troy Pannell, who faces serious allegations of civil fraud totalling $8.7million. The court was again forced to issue an arrest warrant after Pannell failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on Friday, marking his second absence in relation to the case brought by his former employer, SeaRoad Shipping. Justice Andrew Watson, presiding over the matter, noted with concern the repeat non-appearance and authorised the warrant late Friday. That same evening, Pannell was involved in a serious single-vehicle crash in western Victoria, reportedly colliding with a tree. He remains in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital after undergoing emergency surgery. Police had been monitoring Pannell's movements amid suspicions he had been in South Australia, potentially to avoid court proceedings, and there are fears he may attempt to flee overseas. Pannell stands accused of orchestrating a prolonged scheme involving a company called Independent Container Surveyors & Assessors (ICSA). SeaRoad Shipping alleges the entity was used to generate thousands of fake invoices for container repair services that were never provided between 2015 and 2024. Court documents tendered state Pannell had sole authority over the approval of purchase orders, and used this position to process fraudulent payments to ICSA. In evidence tendered to the court, SeaRoad's legal team referred to numerous emails and financial documents suggesting Pannell was under financial pressure in the months leading up to the revelations. These included an email sent to his wife, Lynise Woodgate, in October 2023, with the subject line 'Love U,' in which he apologised, stating: 'I'm so sorry for everything… I would not feel the way I do today.' Further documents tendered showed Pannell and Ms Woodgate applied to extend their $100,000 home loan with Westpac in January 2024, submitting a breakdown of living expenses and personal financial details. Among the documents were statements relating to their family home, purchased in 2016 for $810,000 with an estimated $600,000 still owed, and an investment property in St Kilda generating rental income. It is not suggested that Ms Woodgate was involved in any of the alleged fraudulent conduct. In statements to investigators, she said the pair are now estranged and that she had no knowledge of the transactions under investigation. In a bizarre twist, court documents tendered reveal that Pannell previously told SeaRoad that his mother had passed away. However, ABC Investigations confirmed that Mrs Pannell answered the phone at her Werribee home this week, very much alive. Previous excuses provided by Pannell for failing to attend court have included striking a kangaroo with his vehicle. An email sent to court staff on May 9, just 35 minutes after a scheduled appearance, claimed the collision had damaged his windscreen and indicator, and he was awaiting roadside assistance. Police are now liaising with federal agencies, and SeaRoad's legal counsel, Mr Jonathan B. Davis KC, has called for Pannell to be added to the Australian Federal Police watchlist. 'Instead of going interstate, Mr Pannell could be in Bogota,' Mr Davis told the court. Emails found on a work-issued laptop also revealed that Mr Pannell had been preparing to sell two café businesses: Duck Duck Goose and Larder in Kyneton, and Common Galaxia in Seddon. A sales brochure prepared by Paramount Business Brokers was submitted to the court as part of the evidence. Pannell, who officiated 219 AFL matches between 2005 and 2018, previously served as president of the AFL Umpires' Association. The court adjourned the matter pending Pannell's medical recovery and execution of the arrest warrant. Further proceedings will determine the extent of civil liability and whether criminal charges may follow.
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Minister urged to retain tax relief for farmers
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) is urging the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe to retain key tax relief for farmers ahead of Budget 2026. ICSA Rural Development chair Edmond Phelan has said that the retention of key tax reliefs for farmers is absolutely vital, particularly in the context of generational renewal and the need to provide greater certainty for family farms. 'These reliefs – such as the Young Trained Farmer stamp duty exemption, Agricultural Relief from Capital Acquisitions Tax [CAT], and Farm Consolidation Relief – are not just technical tax measures,' Phelan said. 'They are essential supports that underpin efforts to improve farm viability, encourage land mobility, and, crucially, to support young people to enter and remain in farming. 'There should be no disincentives to farm transfers,' he said. The ICSA was responding to comments made by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, who confirmed in response to a parliamentary question, reported by Agriland, that several farm-related tax relief schemes are currently under review ahead of Budget 2026. According to Minister Donohoe, a number of tax reliefs are due to 'sunset' at the end of 2025. The first scheme under review is the Accelerated Capital Allowance (income tax) for slurry storage. The second scheme the minister mentioned was the Young Trained Farmer (stamp duty) Relief. The Farm Consolidation (stamp duty) Relief is also under review and the minister also mentioned Revised CAT Agricultural Relief. Phelan said the looming expiry or 'sunset' of these schemes at the end of 2025 must be addressed with clarity and urgency. 'ICSA is calling on the Minister for Finance to commit to the long-term retention of these reliefs in Budget 2026,' the ICSA chair continued. 'Farmers need certainty to plan for succession, make investment decisions, and meet environmental obligations. The absence of a firm commitment to extend these measures risks creating unnecessary hesitation at a time when we should be incentivising action. 'The other targeted tax reliefs mentioned by Minister Donohoe – Farm Restructuring (CGT) Relief and the Accelerated Capital Allowance for slurry storage – are equally vital for improving both environmental performance and economic sustainability on farms,' he added. The farm group has said that all of these measures align with national goals around climate action, biodiversity, and generational renewal. It added that removing or weakening them would send the wrong message at a time when the sector is being asked to do more than ever.
