In a bold citizen-led protest today, the ‘Tasmanian Environmental Court of Law’ took the unprecedented step of finding parliamentarians and logging industry leaders guilty of destroying Lutruwita in Tasmania’s native forests. This symbolic court, driven by community activism, sent a powerful message about the urgent need for environmental accountability.
The People’s Court proceedings began with the issuance of thirty-two mock ‘summons’ to current and former parliamentarians, as well as key figures in the logging industry.
Those summoned to the symbolic trial included prominent figures such as Premier Jeremy Rockliff, logging advocate Eric Abetz, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, CEO of Forestry Tasmania Steve Whiteley, and Ta Ann Tasmania’s General Manager Robert Yong.
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Mock Court Holds Tasmanian Politicians and Loggers Accountable for Native Forest Destruction
The protest took on a theatrical element, with citizens dressed as wildlife, representing the native species that lose habitat daily to ongoing logging activities. These participants assumed roles as witnesses, jury, and judge, casting their symbolic judgment on those they accuse of colluding with governments to undermine environmental protections.
“With the appalling rate of destruction of native forests in Tasmania, while we are amidst a climate and biodiversity crises, it is high time that culpable politicians and logging corporations are held to account. We urgently need governments to prevent logging of endangered species habitat and provide secure protection of native forests,” said Jenny Weber, Campaigns Manager for the Bob Brown Foundation.
The mock trial highlighted the frustrations of environmental activists, who believe that the existing judicial system has failed to protect Tasmania’s natural heritage.
Environmental activist Colette Harmsen expressed her discontent, stating, “I am sick of politicians and the logging industry giving their middle finger to the state of the environment. Native forest logging is an obsolete practice that damages ecosystems, increases bushfire risk, causes detrimental climate instability, and threatens wildlife. For too long, the judicial system has failed our environment and has put humans and other species’ survival at risk, because it protects the destroyers of nature and punishes the defenders.”
This citizen-led protest, while symbolic, underscores the deepening conflict between environmental advocates and those supporting native forest logging in Tasmania.
As the debate over the future of Tasmania’s forests continues, today’s event serves as a stark reminder of the growing demand for greater accountability and urgent action to safeguard the environment.
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