Gunns Ltd cut down
The Victorian Supreme Court today dealt a blow to the logging giant Gunns Limited, when it threw out its third claim for damages. Gunns is seeking a total of 6.3 million dollars from 20 people and environmental groups, saying it suffered losses as a result of anti-logging campaigns and protests they organised. This type of litigation has become known as a SLAPP, or Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Justice Bernard Bongiorno (BON-JOR-NO) told Gunns lawyers they must submit a third, and “radically altered”, version of its claim document if the case is to continue. Virginia Young is a spokesperson for the Wilderness Society, which is a Defendant in the case. She was at the court this morning and described the ruling to Alma Mistry.