A "true gentleman" of the Northern Territory cattle industry who helped lead a successful class action against the live cattle export ban has died aged 83.
Colin Brett's family were lead claimants in the class action against the federal government's snap ban on the live cattle trade to Indonesia in 2011, which the Federal Court later ruled was unlawful.
He lived at Waterloo Station, a 240,000-hectare cattle property 900 kilometres south-west of Darwin, which his family bought in 2004.
Remembered as a "generous" and "remarkable" man who "exuded positivity", Mr Brett was known to be quick with a smile and always kind with his words.
NT Cattlemen's Association (NTCA) president David Connolly said the pastoral industry was "deeply saddened" by his death.
"His and his family's contributions to the industry are profound and will serve as a tremendous legacy far into the future," Mr Connolly said.
"As proud as Colin was of his country and his cattle, his family were always his focus."
Author and NTCA life member Terry Underwood said her gratitude and respect for Mr Brett was "immeasurable".
"He and his family worked hard to own and manage one of the few remaining privately-owned cattle stations amidst the ever-expanding corporate giants and landowners," she said.
Ms Underwood said the Brett family "with Colin at the helm, took on the Australian government" as leaders of the live export class action.
"Their fearlessness and truth stood our industry in good stead," she said.
"Their victory was a win for all of us."
'Quiet strength'
In 2020 the Brett family was successful in its class action, which eventually included hundreds of cattle producers and transport businesses from across northern Australia.
Cattle Australia chief executive Luke Bowen, who led the NTCA during the live export ban, said Mr Brett "exuded positivity and support" for the industry.
"Through the most difficult times for his family, with industry and community in crisis, his quiet strength and care gave hope and resolve … and gave all of us the strength to fight back," Mr Bowen said.
"Our industry will never forget."
Speaking in 2020 after the federal court's ruling on the class action, Mr Brett said he felt common sense had prevailed.
"From my own family's point of view, it's not the money we were concerned about as much as the government not being able to do this ever again," he said.
"They have to give our industry and other industries more time to adjust to what they are about to do."
The Brett Cattle Company has received compensation from the federal government, but it remains the only business to be paid out from the live export class action.
Mr Brett tragically lost his son Dougal in a helicopter accident on the family property in 2015.
