GAVIN LOWER The Mercury:

LEGAL action brought by Tasmanian timber giant Gunns Ltd against 20 environmental groups and individuals could be seen as an attempt to stop people from protesting against the company, a court was told yesterday. Julian Burnside, QC, told the Supreme Court in Melbourne the inference was almost irresistible that a significant number of Gunns’ complaints in the case were not about vindicating the company’s rights, but were about warning off individuals who might be inclined to protest against Gunns’ activities. Gunns is suing groups and individuals, including Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown, Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt and The Wilderness Society, for damages, claiming their activities hurt the company and some were involved in a conspiracy against it.

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