Tarkine forest defender’s car rammed

A car carrying three people, including environmentalist GP Dr Lisa Searle, has been repeatedly rammed by pro-loggers in the Tarkine overnight. SEE THE PHOTOS.

The vehicle of a forest protester was damaged overnight in the Tarkine. Picture: SUPPLIED

ENVIRONMENTALISTS have condemned the actions of what they describe as “pro-logging vigilantes” after the vehicle of a protester was allegedly rammed overnight.

Bob Brown said on Saturday it was lucky no one was killed after the car of a “Tarkine forest defender” was rammed and seriously damaged.

The Bob Brown Foundation said three people were in the car driven by Dr Lisa Searle who was on her way to a camp of protesters at Sumac Ridge, south of Smithton in the state’s North-West.

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“Last night when we were ambushed by aggressive pro-logging vigilantes, it was scary and we feared for our lives,” Dr Searle said.

The vehicle of a forest protester was damaged overnight in the Tarkine.

Dr Brown said the number plate of one of the two vehicles involved in the alleged attack was noted.

“Yesterday’s publicity about the Gutwein government’s clamp down on our foundation’s forest protest state-wide preceded this ugly incident. In the wake of the violence a pro-logging source is calling for recruits,” he said.

RELATED: DRONE FOOTAGE OF TARKINE LOGGING IN 2018

The vehicle of a forest protester was damaged overnight in the Tarkine.

It comes after a Worksafe ruling on Thursday that prohibited Bob Brown Foundation protesters from conducting actions in forest areas.

The move sparked criticism from the foundation, the Greens, and lawyers, with legal options to challenge the notice being considered.

The State Government on Friday insisted it did not refer the matter to Worksafe.

But Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor described the incident as thuggery, pointing the finger at Government representatives.

“The Premier, Minister for Resources, Guy Barnett and Attorney-General, Elise Archer are culpable in this escalation of violence,’’ she said.

“Their dog whistling and demonisation of Tasmanians defending ancient forests has given license to thuggery.

“It is only by chance that nobody was hurt when a car with three people inside it was repeatedly rammed by dangerous, violent idiots in the Tarkine.”

Attorney-General Elise Archer said Tasmanian employers have legal obligations under workplace health and safety laws to protect workers.

“The Bob Brown Foundation is not above the law,’’ she said.

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Ms Archer said it was aware the foundation had been prohibited from undertaking certain activities.

“Contrary to claims from the Greens, the Government did not refer the matter to the Work Health and Safety Regulator, nor has it in any way influenced the independent Regulator to take action,’’ she said.

“The Worksafe notice issued by the Regulator is completely independent of our Workplace Protection legislation. This is a matter for Worksafe Tasmania.”

A report on the alleged incident has been made to police.

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