Forests and Free Speech - the victory of the Gunns20

In 2004 Gunns Ltd sued 17 individuals and 3 groups over their campaign to protect Tasmania's native forests. The $6.9 million lawsuit targetted people for everything from speaking publically about health concerns, lobbying woodchip customers, making films and participating in non-violent protest.

After 5 years, it came down to just 4 defendants and the valley of Lucaston where Gunns Ltd had been stopped by locals from logging 1000 acres. Just two days before trial the case was dropped and the defendants paid personal compensation and legal costs. This was a decisive win for the forests and free speech. A huge victory for the environment movement and a thorough defeat for the billion dollar logging company.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• forests
• tasmania
• gunns
• bob
• brown
• adam
• burling

[KemoreJ]

How inspiring. I've got tears in my eyes.

[johncterrell]

Great video and great victory! Sincere thanks to everyone who endured so much to protect our wild forests

[fluffyv8]

Mt deepest gratitude to you all for what you have done for everyone else. Thank-you.

[VagabondForest]

Fantastic synopsis of five stressful years- Heidi you are amazing! Ben you are an inspiration. Congratulations to everyone and thank you xx

[ashtool]

YOU BLOODY BEAUTY!!!!!!! a real win for free speech!

The TAS government has had their hands around their anckles, positioned squarly infront of GUNS in order to service the account.

The time for business/government-lobbying MUST come to an end.