Dear Friends,

We are writing to invite you to a public meeting regarding an issue we think will be of great importance to you and your organisation.

This year, the Wilderness Society, on behalf of the Friends of Forests and Free Speech, are conducting a National Tour, to inform the Australian community about the fight to protect Tasmania's irreplaceable ancient forests, the crucial role the community plays in participating in public debate, and the implications for all the community of a writ issued against environmentalists by Gunns Ltd, Australia’s largest native forest woodchip company.

In December 2004, Gunns Ltd issued a writ against 17 individuals and 3 organisations, claiming damages for a range of activities including protest actions in the forests and at woodchip mills, media statements, and what they claim is unlawful lobbying of shareholders, customers and governments. The writ is for $6.4 million. The Friends of Forests and Free Speech is a community organisation formed in response to this writ. It works with The Wilderness Society (the 6th Defendant) and other defendants, supporting those being sued and advocating for law reform to protect the community’s right to public participation.

The defendants in this case are vigorously defending the allegations against them as their campaign has always aimed to protect Tasmania’s forests for future generations. The defendants will reject Gunns claim that the campaign has aimed to unlawfully harm their business.

The case is a crucial test of free speech and the community’s ability to participate in public debate. Our right to freedom of speech and the protection of Tasmania’s forests are critically important to Australians. The defendants need your support so they can move from the court room back into the community where they can fight for these crucial causes.

We would love for you to attend this meeting, and become engaged - or continue to be engaged - in the biggest fight to protect both Tasmania’s old growth forests and our democratic right to participate in public debate.

We would be most appreciative if you were able to publicise this meeting to your members.

If you would like a poster that you can email, please do not hesitate to call our office on 03 9662 2162 or 0424 098 729.

We really hope to see you on the 16th.

Yours sincerely,

Louise Morris and Luke Chamberlain Coordinators Forests and Free Speech National Tour