Former Forestry Minister, Senator Eric Abetz, can take prime responsibility for the $838,975.02 cost of the Howard government's uninvited and mistaken decision to enter the Wielangta court case, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
 
Senator Brown's case was against Forestry Tasmania, not the Commonwealth.
 
"The decision by Senator Abetz and the Howard government to enter the case made zero difference to the outcome but cost taxpayers a packet. Senator Abetz owes taxpayers more than an apology," Senator Brown said.
 
The High Court awarded no costs against Senator Brown because of the public interest of the case – contrary to Senator Abetz' silly assertion.
 
However, the Federal Court's decision to award costs against Senator Brown may leave him with a bill, including his own representation, of $200,000 to $300,000.
 
"Senator Abetz should feel free to give a similar amount to the Commonwealth's legal fund if he is really concerned for taxpayers he has cost so dearly," Senator Brown said.
 
For more information on the case visit: http://www.on-trial.info/     
 
Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603