Gunning for environmentalists
A SLAPP is not just something that happens to you if you are naughty. A SLAPP is a also Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation and one which Tasmanian Timber Giant GUNNS served against 20 individuals and high profile environmental organizations last year. The GUNNS SLAPP suit claims more than $6 million dollars against activists including Greens MP Bob Brown and the Wilderness Society. Independent journalist and film maker Heidi Douglas has been sued for $95000 by GUNNS. Last Friday GUNNS failed to appear for the first court hearing which defendants are taking seriously. Megan Jay spoke to Professor Sharon Beder from the University of Wollongong who has been studying the increasing use of SLAPP suits by corporations in an attempt to silence opposition protest. Gunns were contacted by the Wire but declined to comment.