13 forest activists sued over the December 2008 climate change action at Gunns’ Triabunna
woodchip mill.
Justice David Porter ruling on Gunns' application to strike out counterclaim and defense.
The original hearing was on the 25.02.2009.
Where: Supreme Court, Salamanca Place, 2.15pm.
The Triabunna 13's defense is based on a right to communicate on government and political matters. Gunns' are suing partly as the action was undertaken to 'publicise the political beliefs' of the defendents. Gunns are seeking damages, punitive damages, and injunctions to prevent further actions. The defendant's counterclaim is based on Gunns' public statements that no ' old growth forests'
and no 'old growth logs' will be used in its proposed pulp mill. The defendants are claiming that under sections 52 and 51a of the Trade Practices Act Gunns is engaging in 'deceptive and
misleading' conduct. The defendants are seeking an injunction to prevent Gunns from making future statements of the same nature.
“After the climate change action at Triabunna earlier this month, Gunns ruled out pursuing activists through civil claims,” said Huon Valley Environment Centre spokesperson Warrick Jordan. “Gunns have obviously realised that such legal actions are bad for the company's image, and that they are useless, as activists will not be intimidated from taking strong, peaceful action in defense of ancient forests and the planet's future,” Warrick Jordan said.
“I imagine that Gunns' are currently re-assessing the wisdom of targeting committed, peaceful,responsible citizens who will not be dissuaded from defending the environment, and who are willing to engage in court if necessary,” Warrick Jordan said.
What will Gunns next line of attack be, I wonder. They will hardly lie down and take what is dished up. Aggression and bullying is all they know. I am amazed they have managed to learn from the experience though. Shows someone has some wisdom.
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