The loggers' violence towards forest defenders on Tuesday is harmful to Tasmania's image as a restful, safe and beautiful place, Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"It damages the tourism and hospitality industries."

"As with the violence of logging to the native forests and wildlife itself, the pictures of a sledgehammer-wielding man smashing a protest vehicle with people inside, and issuing a stream of profanities, cuts right across the current T.V. advertising campaign to attract mainland people to Tasmania."

"Blaming the victims compounds the damage," said Senator Brown, who intends to visit the Upper Florentine forest defenders again tomorrow."

The footage of the violence can be seen here.

Further information: Alison Hetherington 0438 962 998