Noel Murphy
GEELONG’S Powerball controversy has descended into a bitter, secretive in-house battle between claimants for a share of former Toll worker Gary Baron’s $16.7 million winnings.
Fourteen claimaints, transport workers at Geelong Toll, have gone to ground as they consider their options with their third lawyer since launching their campaign.
But several others who suspect they may have a claim also have been ignored of the 14-strong group or considering their own action. The original syndicate is understood to have had up to 20 members.
Syndicate spokesman Gary Georgeson would not take calls from the Independent yesterday, while another Toll employee said: “I don’t think anyone’s meant to talk to anyone”.
A second spokesman, Wayne Connor, did not return messages left with Toll.
Sources told the Independent the Toll workplace had become uncomfortable as sparring syndicate members ignored each other, talking in whispers and phone texts.
The 14 claimants succeeded in a recent Supreme Court action to have Tattslotto release the name and payment details of the winner who shared a third of a $50 million Powerball draw in October.
Supreme Court documents name them as Gary Georgeson, Wayne Connor, Belinda Chatfield, Troy Czyzewski, Gary Coulson, Howard Grundell, Peter Cassin, Daniel Lawson, David Amos, Scott Leeson, Robin Gaylard, Dean Griffiths, Graham Morrison and Rob McGuinness.
The court suggested the group might have no claim if Mr Baron purchased his ticket with his own credit card, independently of the syndicate. However, they might have a case if Mr Baron used the syndicate’s account.
Mr Baron reported sick for work the day after the draw, resigning shortly afterwards.
His co-workers become concerned they might have a claim after purchases he made were brought to their attention and a bottle of champagne from Tatts arrived at their depot for delivery to Mr Baron.
Mr Baron has maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing, arguing his winning ticket was a favourites game unrelated to the syndicate and bought with his own money.
A source told the Independent claimants had been wrangling among themselves in what had become “a can of worms”.
The syndicate’s previous modest winnings had been retained in a kitty for future use, the source said.
The Independent believes the system became complicated when some members began making regular electronic payments.
The new lawyers for the syndicate, Jessop & Komesaroff, of Elwood in suburban Melbourne, said they had no instructions to comment to the media.
