Last December Tasmanian woodchip giant Gunns Ltd fired off a massive $6.3 million damages
writ against some staunch defenders of the Tasmanian wilderness. This awesome group of
environmentalists, now known as the Gunns 20, are in need of our support. Gunns action
follows American corporate practice to counter and punish opposing points of view by issuing
SLAPP writs – ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation’.
The 216 page writ alleges four main areas of campaign activity against it: It is the supposed vilification that most aggrieves Gunns, especially campaigns to target banks
with business connections to Gunns and pressure to stop Japanese woodchip customers from
buying. Gunns considers itself to be an ethical, law abiding corporate citizen and is offended by
those that suggest that there is something wrong with razing ancient forests.
Such litigation is likely to take years to work its way through the legal system and in its progress
drain the energy and finances of the defendants. These people, listed below, need our support.
If Gunns action is successful this group will be devastated. Organisations such as The
Wilderness Society would be forced into liquidation and some individuals into bankruptcy. Bob
Brown and The Wilderness Society have publicly stated they’ll continue their action but also
acknowledge the cost of the writ in terms of stress, anxiety and money.
A Gunns 20 collective fighting fund has been created for all the defendants and you can
donate via The Wilderness Society, (the main defendant), but specify that it is for the Gunns 20
fund. These donations are not tax deductible. Or you may donate to the Gunns 20 fund via Bob
Brown via any Greens shop or via Bob Brown (Gunns 20), GPO Box 1132, Hobart, Tas 7001. -Thanks Geof
The Gunns 20:
Alec Marr* $280,000
(i) Logging disruption campaigns and actions at Lucaston, Hampshire, Triabunna and the Styx;
(ii) Corporate vilification campaigns relating to the Burnie Woodchip site and the Banksia
Awards;
(iii) Campaigns against overseas customers of Gunns including customers in Japan and
Belgium;
(iv) Corporate campaigns targeting shareholders, investors and banks.
The Wilderness Society can be contacted by phone 1800 030 641 or send cheques or money
orders made out to The Wilderness Society to GPO Box 716, Hobart, Tas 7001.
Geoff Law* $180,000
Russell Hanson* $110,000
Leanne Minshull* $310,000
Heidi Douglas* $95,000
The Wilderness Society Inc*. $2,525,000
Adam Burling, $130,000
Simon Brown, $80,000
Bob Brown, $305,000
Peg Putt, $95,000
Helen Gee, $5,000
Ben Morrow , $40,000
Lou Geraghty, $30,000
Neil Funnell, $30,000
Brian Dimmick, $20,000
Huon Valley Environment Centre $270,000
Peter Pullinger, $250,000
Doctors for Native Forests Inc $50,000
Frank Nicklason, $250,000
Louise Morris, $175,000
*Wilderness Society present & former and staff. Total TWS claim is $3,500,000: