Desperate Gunns settles for anything

Friends of Forests and Free Speech
Media Release
27 November 2009

Gunns Ltd today withdrew their case against two of the remaining six defendants in the infamous Gunns20 case.
Louise Morris and Neal Funnell will not be paying any costs or damages to Gunns after being sued for a combined $489,000 in 2004.

“In 2004 Gunns commenced legal action designed to intimidate, silence and suppress opposition to its business of destroying our native forests. The message today is that if you stand up against Gunns, and if you refuse to be intimidated or bullied, Gunns will capitulate,” said Funnell.

“After five years I welcome Gunns decision to discontinue its claims against Neal and me.  We don’t have to pay Gunns anything in this settlement.  In contrast Gunns themselves admit spending $2.8 million on the case, and this lawsuit is not over yet,” said Morris

In a massive backdown Gunns offered Funnell a settlement in which he does not have to pay any damages or costs to Gunns.  He has agreed not to go to Gunns head office or their Triabunna Woodchip Mill until 31 Dec 2012.  The terms of the settlement with Morris were identical save that she also agreed not to go to the Hampshire Woodchip Mill.

“The undertakings do not apply to forest being logged by Gunns, nor do they apply to the proposed pulp mill site in the Tamar Valley,” said Morris.

"The bad news for Gunns is that this ordeal is still not over for them, and until they withdraw proceedings against the remaining defendants, their legal bills will continue to rise while their corporate image continues to sink," said Funnell.

The case continues for four others who go to trial in February 2010.

Further reading

Thanks to you, a great day for our forests and free speech
You might have heard our fantastic news – on 16 March, Gunns Ltd’s four-year long legal action against The Wilderness Society ended with Gunns offering to pay us $350,000. Learn more >>