Vic: Gunns to fight on despite judge's 'chainsaw' mauling

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2006
Vic: Gunns to fight on despite judge's 'chainsaw' mauling

Tasmanian timber company Gunns says it will continue its efforts to sue a group of
environmentalists .. despite its case being rejected again.

Victoria's Supreme Court today rejected Gunns' latest statement of claim against 20
people .. asking for nearly seven million dollars compensation.

It's the third version submitted by the company over almost two years.

But Gunns chief executive JOHN GAY says his legal fight will continue.

Gunns has been given until October 19 to lodge another claim document.

The 20 defendants include some of Australia's most prominent conservationists including
Greens Senator BOB BROWN and Tasmanian Greens Leader PEG PUTT .. and groups including
The Wilderness Society.

Mr GAY says claims the legal action is an attack on free speech is all bullshit ..

and all the company is trying to do is stop commercial harassment.







In July last year .. Justice BONGIORNO dismissed an earlier version of the claim document
saying it was legally embarrassing .. at best ambiguous and at worst misleading.

Outside court today .. Senator BROWN said the judge had taken a chainsaw to Gunns'
latest Statement of Claim.

But he says the legal action should now end.

AAP RTV dr/dk/bart

KEYWORD: GUNNS (MELBOURNE)

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.