[Huon Forests] Gunns20 defendants self-represent

[Adam Burling]

Four of the remaining defendants in the ‘Gunns 20’ civil case today served
notice in the Victorian Supreme Court that they will self represent at the
February 2010 trial.

At the Annual General Meeting of Gunns Ltd in Launceston today, a question
was asked from the floor as to whether Gunns Ltd were aware of this, and how
they think this will affect Gunns’ image nationally and overseas. Chairman
John Gay estimated that the company had spent over $2.8 million on the case
to date, admitting that the case was damaging their image but said he was
not prepared to have people attack his company.

“Gunns have sued 33 people and spent over $3 million dollars targetting
anyone who dared speak against their destruction of Tasmania’s wild forests.
Just to defend yourself in this type of civil case can cost hundreds of
thousands of dollars, self representing is one of the only options that most
ordinary people have in these situations,” said Adam Burling, Gunns20
defendant #1

“As defendants we will be up against, a ruthless billion dollar company and
their team of expensive lawyers, but in the end nothing will deter me from
standing up for Tasmania’s ancient forests,” said Mr Burling.

Louise Morris self representing defendant said “After almost five years of
this multi-million dollar lawsuit from Gunns Ltd dragging on I decided it
was time that I, as an individual being sued, tackle this case head on, as
an individual and self represent. This is clearly not a decision I have
taken lightly. This trial will be a highly stressful and arduous process,
but I think it is worth it to protect our right to free speech – and basic
civil liberties.”

Friday 13 November lawyers for Adam Burling, Louise Morris, Neal Funnell and
Lou Geraghty will appear in the Victorian Supreme court to announce they
will cease to act for these defendants who from now on will undertake the
case as self represented defendants.
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