Billion dollar woodchipper Gunns Ltd has issued new writs against forest defenders in Tasmania, dropping major conspiracy components of their original claims, made 2 years ago.
 
While the new writs involve claims for $391,000 plus unspecified other claims for damages, they do not pursue Greens Senator Bob Brown or Tasmanian Greens Leader Peg Putt and other previous defenders including Doctors for Native Forests, Peter Pullinger and Helen Gee.
 
However, Gunns' lawyers have asked for another month to pursue claims relating to the environmentalists' campaigns in Japan and relating to banks which are Gunns shareholders.
 
Senator Brown and Ms Putt may well be re-engaged if the court allows Gunns the extra time they are seeking.
 
"The Gunns action is a punitive fiasco," Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.
 
"It is continuing a long and harrowing process against people fighting for Australia's forest heritage in Tasmania. It is also digging into the pockets of Gunns' own shareholders – the company has set aside $2 million, so far, for pursuing the environmentalists in the court."
 
"Just yesterday 30 police were brought in to arrest people protesting against logging for Gunns in Tasmania's world heritage value Weld Valley. Gunns should be in the dock for the stress they cause so many Australians as they continue to wreck forests and their wildlife." Senator Brown said.
 
Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603