Stuart Rob Allan, Rebecca Jane Allan guilty of defrauding government bushfire grants, weapons charges
A Lismore couple have been found guilty of fraudulently claiming more than $75,000 in bushfire grant assistance. Here’s what happened in court.
Regional News
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An East Lismore couple who claimed they lost more cattle than they owned to unlawfully obtain funds from a government-subsidised 2019 bushfire disaster relief grant have been found guilty.
Stuart Rob Allan, 37, and Rebecca Jane Allan, 36, appeared in Lismore Local Court on Thursday for judgement.
The couple had previously pleaded not guilty to a slew of fraud and weapons charges after the couple claimed more than $75,000 dollars through bushfire grant assistance and tried to claim compensation through insurance.
Police alleged in court Allan claimed he lost more than 3,000 head of cattle in the 2019 bushfires and attempted to claim compensation through an insurance company while also applying for several NSW Government grant schemes for bushfire assistance in the Casino region.
The Allans were investigated after an alleged tip-off by the Richmond Police District Rural Crime Prevention Team under Strike Force Munyana in June 2020.
Officers executed a search warrant at the couple’s East Lismore property on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, where they seized collectible coins, weapons and documentation.
“The bushfires destroyed thousands of homes and stock across the state, as well as tragically taking lives,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, said at the time.
“Our farmers have had to struggle through the bushfires after years of drought, so it is devastating to see some elements of society take advantage of the system that was put into place to support those who needed it.”
Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner said at the time the support programs were to help landowners navigate out of hardship.
“Many Northern Rivers residents lost land and stock from the drought, then fires, and just a few days ago – from floods.
“Richmond Police and our Rural Crime Investigators will not stop until they find those who wish to manipulate the system to their benefit, and those persons are brought before the courts,” Supt Tanner said.
In documents tendered to the court for the couple’s delayed hearing that finally eventuated in March 2023, the Crown claimed the value of the attempted deception was more than $2m. The court heard, however, that only 38 cows were found dead.
The Allans’ barrister at the time, Harry Maarraoui, told the court the $2m figure was “pulled out of the proverbial”.
Yet on Thursday during judgement under Judge Geoffrey Hiatt, the court heard the Allans were advised to apply for the grants and had help compiling documentation from accountants in Casino, one of which was Ms Allan’s sister.
The firm assisted with documents to submit grant claims and handwriting analysis completed on the forms was shown to belong to Ms Allan’s sister.
The sister and the firm are not accused of any wrongdoing.
In handing down his judgement, Mr Hiatt said a declaration and some part of their grant applications in his view was fraudulent.
The court heard nothing was explained to the couple that they must re-establish their primary production business as a condition of the grants they sought – yet Mr Hiatt said he did not agree.
The court heard funds were transferred between bank accounts and to auctioneers for the purchase of collectable coins.
A 12-gauge shotgun found in a safe in the couple’s East Lismore home had documentation for dual possession yet Mr Hiatt said he thought only Mr Allan knew about it and could access it.
Rebecca Jane Allan was found guilty after hearing seven of twelve charges including two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, recklessly deal with proceeds of a crime, two counts of fail to comply with mandatory measures, use false document to obtain financial advantage, and possess or use prohibited weapon without permit.
Her remaining charges were dismissed.
Stuart Rob Allan was found guilty after hearing ten of twelve charges including two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, dishonestly obtain property by deception, three counts of fail to comply with mandatory measures, recklessly deal with proceeds of a crime, use false document to obtain financial advantage, possess or use prohibited weapon without permit, and acquire firearm part without authority to do so.
Mr Hiatt ordered a sentencing assessment report for both Ms and Mr Allan from the Tweed Heads Community Corrections Office.
The Allans are to appear in Ballina Local Court for sentencing on November 11.
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