The owner of a Victorian timber mill has launched legal action against former Motoring Enthusiast Party senator Ricky Muir over a soured business deal.
Mr Muir is accused of owing thousands of dollars for stock at the Canningvale Mill he was leasing in Heyfield, east of Melbourne.
The mill's owner, John Mavros, claims he leased the property to Mr Muir in 2016 and agreed to sell the him the stock and equipment for $120,000 — but he said that money was never paid.
"In 2016 he approached me after he left the parliament and he wanted to buy the business, and I explained because of my health I was due for retirement, [and] I was going to put the business for sale," Mr Mavros said.
"He was always on time on the lease commitments because I leased the property to him, but there was no sign of the principal which we agreed of the $120,000."
Mr Mavros said he kicked Mr Muir off the site early this year, but claimed he was owed $42,000 for timber stock that was sold.
The 70-year-old, who has had a double lung transplant, has returned to running his old business.
He claims since he has taken over, other businesses with unpaid bills have called the mill looking for Mr Muir.
Mr Muir has declined to comment, but a lawyer acting on his behalf, Erin Thorsen told commercial media he "generally disputes the allegations".
The politician and timber miller
Mr Muir revealed in February he was running as the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party candidate for the seat of Morwell in this year's Victorian election.
Just two weeks later Mr Muir and his wife Kerrie-Anne announced via social media the Canningvale Mill, which had been rebranded Muir Timber, would no longer operate at the site.
"As some of you may have already seen, the Muir Timber sign is down and we are no longer operating from Firebrace Road, Heyfield," the Muirs wrote.
"Muir timber is still operating but we are unable to operate as a direct to public site for the time being."
It came 18 months after the he had celebrated taking over the milling business.
"It only makes sense that the former timber worker come senator would end up going back to an industry he knows and loves," Mr Muir wrote at the time.
"It is with great pride that I can announce that my wife and I have made the decision to enter self employment and are in the process of taking over Canningvale Timber in Heyfield, Vic.
"I must admit, I never saw myself actually owning our own milling business."
