Friends of the Earth Fitzroy
22 February 2000 Media Release
Bracks Must Act to Stop Forest Violence
The Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, must act immediately to ensure a
response to the rapidly escalating violence in Victoria's forests.
Last night's attack by a group of 40-50 loggers on a handful of
environmentalists was not only cowardly, but threatens to send Victoria
into a situation where violence becomes a legitimate tool to silence
community concerns about the destruction of native forests, or indeed, any
other issue. It also occurs at a time of other violent attacks on
environmentalists and appears to be part of a strategic campaign of violent
intimidation.
"The environment movement has endured years of violent acts against
individuals. Now this is escalating into a broad-based campaign of terror.
Government inaction would be tacit approval for the continuation of these
attacks", said Friends of the Earth's National Liaison Officer, Cam Walker.
Constructive dialogue between trade unions and environmentalists is also
essential to deal with conflict in the forests. Agreements regarding
blockading protocols are a necessary part of moving the debate on forests
forward. Dialogue through forums such as the trade union-green alliance,
Earthworker, will allow the creation of agreements on areas of commonality.
The current situation benefits neither workers or environmentalists, in the
short or long term. By joining together, unions and greens can successfully
defeat this type of vigilante action.
"The right to peaceful protest is a hard won and vital part of Australian
democracy. There can be no place for middle of the night thuggery".
Urgent action is required. There is the real danger that someone will be
killed if this cycle of vigilante violence is allowed to continue.
Further comment: Cam Walker (03)9419 8700, 0419 338 047, Anthony Amis (03)
9809 1847
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