In 2017, NSW Supreme Court justice Michael Pembroke declared Vito Zepinic a vexatious litigant due to a series of unsuccessful legal battles stemming from a dispute over renovations to his Turramurra home. Even after his death on January 26 this year, Zepinic continued to have court losses, with 24 more occurring posthumously. Zepinic was appealing a Local Court decision regarding a dispute over $10,000 he gave to a former partner when he passed away. While no application was made by his estate to continue the proceedings, District Court Judge Alister Abadee ruled that the application was so misconceived that no practical injustice would result if it was disposed of at that point.
The harbourside electorate of Wentworth, once a crown jewel for the Liberal Party, is now hesitant to take on incumbent teal independent Allegra Spender. Former Deloitte consultant Roanne Knox was endorsed as their preselection pick at a recent meeting, as she was the only person to put their hand up for the seat. Rumors of Peter King, a former seat holder for the party, potentially returning were put to rest with Knox’s uncontested win. Some Liberals considered wooing Spender to the party room, but she showed no interest in the idea.
Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou has sparked controversy by successfully pushing to ban a book on queer parenting that he had never read. While this move caused discontent among some of the Labor party’s state MPs, Christou himself was a former member of the ALP before resigning in 2019. Former veteran MP Laurie Ferguson, who previously employed Christou, expressed disappointment in his actions and noted his shift towards more extreme views, including association with One Nation. Christou’s recent attempts to secure a seat on the Parramatta Leagues Club board were unsuccessful.
The ongoing legal battles and posthumous court losses of Vito Zepinic highlight a tumultuous legal history and unresolved disputes surrounding renovations to his Turramurra home. Despite being declared a vexatious litigant in 2017, Zepinic continued to pursue legal actions, ultimately leading to 24 more losses posthumously. His appeal of a Local Court decision regarding a dispute over money given to a former partner was ruled to be misconceived by District Court Judge Alister Abadee.
The Wentworth electorate, once a stronghold for the Liberal Party, is now facing uncertainties as teal independent Allegra Spender maintains her position amid a lack of enthusiasm from potential contenders. Former Deloitte consultant Roanne Knox secured the party’s preselection pick without competition, dispelling rumors of a return by former seat holder Peter King. Some Liberals considered including Spender in the party room, but she declined the offer. Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou’s controversial book ban motion and failed bid for a board seat reflect his divisive actions and shifting political affiliations. Former employer Laurie Ferguson expressed disappointment in Christou’s actions and noted his alignment with more extreme viewpoints.
