End of the Gunns20 legal saga

More than five years after writs were first issued, the Gunns lawsuit saga has come to an end for all 20 defendants with the decision by Gunns to drop its remaining claims against four defenders of a small valley on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The Gunns 20 and supporters outside Melbourne Supreme Court, 2005. Photo: Peter Casamento

The last defendants had few resources and had decided to go to trial – due to start next week- without legal representation. A courageous move.
 
So why at the 11th hour did Gunns decide to drop the case? Probably many factors, but it is clear that pressure from old and potential new customers for Gunns to recognize that causing division in the Tasmanian community is bad for business as well as bad for people and the environment has at last been heard.
 
On 2 February there was a a symbolic action on the steps of the Victorian Supreme Court. Many of the original 20 defendants will gather to once again call for law reform to make it impossible for major corporations to use litigation as a tool to silence dissenting voices and weaken community support for environmental campaigns.
 
As the pulp mill campaign demonstrates neither the Wilderness Society nor any individual fighting to save Tasmania’s forests gave up. If Gunns goal was to weaken the campaign to protect Tasmania’s forests they failed resoundingly. Saving Tasmania’s ancient forests is more important today than it was five years ago.

Further reading;

A great day for our forests and freedom of speech
$3.5 million damages claim turns into $350,000 payment to the Wilderness Society. more >>

Gunns 20 History
Timeline: Gunns vs The Wilderness Society. more >>

Gunns 20 Case Goes To Trial
newmatilda.com
Should a corporate bully be allowed to silence criticism using the courts? more>>