New chapter in Lambie book dispute

THE man embroiled in a legal battle with Jacqui Lambie over a book contract will ask the Burnie Magistrates Court to order the former senator to represent herself in the case.

Former Lambie staffer Rob Messenger issued a media statement yesterday, saying he would also be making an application to the court to order a delay on the publication of an alternate Jacqui Lambie autobiography — Rebel with a Cause — until his case is finalised. The pair went for mediation talks in the court this week and the matter will be heard in the new year.

Mr Messenger, who left Ms Lambie’s employ in May, says in a statement of claim he signed a contract to write the then-senator’s autobiography in February last year. The book was to be 80,000 to 90,000 words and to be published by Allen and Unwin.

Mr Messenger claims he was promised three separate financial instalments totalling $12,000.

Mr Messenger said after he left the position, he was told by the publishers that then-senator Lambie had rejected the latest chapters of his book and no longer wanted to continue with the deal.

Mr Messenger delivered the final draft in late May and his solicitor demanded the second $4000 payment, which he says has not yet been received,

“Our civil legal dispute is before the small claims court — where lawyers are not usually allowed to represent either the claimant or the defendant in order to keep the costs down,” Mr Messenger said.

“It is my intention to create a level playing field and oppose any more requests by Ms Lambie to be further assisted by trained legal counsel.”

Ms Lambie has been represented by barrister and Jacqui Lambie Network state election candidate Glynn Williams.

Ms Lambie said she would not comment on the case until it was finalised.