Otways- Regional News - Aug 2004
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Landmark case for forest justice - Greens call for inquiry into police inaction - 19th Aug 04 - Greens Media Release -Otways August 2004
Related article
Protesters sue loggers' trade union - Claire Miller, Environment Reporter, The Age (article), 21/12/99 - Otways Dec 1999
19th Aug 04 - Greens Media Release
Greens call for inquiry into police inaction
Greens Senator Bob Brown hailed today’s Victorian Supreme Court finding that the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union) and several individuals, including Victorian CFMEU Forestry Secretary Jane Calvert, had intentionally harmed conservationists in the Otways in January 1999.
The 13 plaintiffs took legal action after the CFMEU set up a picket line around their camp in the Otways. Justice David Ashley awarded damages of $131 000 for the intentional harm caused to them during five days of intimidation.
"This is a landmark decision for the right of conservationists to camp and to protest peacefully in the forests," Senator Brown said.
"The real question is why the police did not take action in the first place when this matter was brought to their attention, including arresting and charging those involved.
"This warrants an explanation from the Minister and an independent inquiry.
"This court finding breaks the pattern of violent assaults against peaceful protesters in forests around the country and sends a strong warning to the CFMEU and its leaders that violence will not be tolerated.
"It is now up to the CFMEU to condemn the violence and guarantee that peaceful conservation protests will never again be harassed in such a way," said Senator Brown.
Senator Brown congratulated the 13 plaintiffs and their legal team for their courage, not only during the original confrontation, but for taking the case to court under great pressure when the police failed to uphold the law.