Tasmanian prisoner Colette Harmsen phones into native forest rally
A 1500-person rally in Hobart calling for an end to native forest logging has heard of the passion and anger motivating the campaign, including from one person who, despite being jailed, will not be silenced.
Tasmania
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A Tasmanian prisoner has phoned into a rally calling for an end to native forest logging saying she’s just “one small voice” but urging Australians to demand action on the issue.
Colette Harmsen spoke from the Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison at Risdon, where she is serving a three-month term of imprisonment on various charges including trespass, breach of bail and wilfully obstructing the use of a road.
“Sorry I can’t be there in person, but I’m definitely there in spirit,” Dr Harmsen, a veterinarian, told the 1500-strong crowd at Hobart’s City Hall who broke into thunderous applause.
“My message is let’s take it to the politicians, let’s take it to everyone in Australia and demand an end to native forest logging.”
Jenny Weber, campaign manager with the Bob Brown Foundation, which organised the rally, said she and Dr Brown visited her in prison on Friday.
When asked how she was coping with prison life Dr Harmsen told the rally: “I’m enjoying the other inmates and the prison dog is pretty special.”
Greens senator Nick McKim said Dr Harmsen was one of the “true heroes of our time”.
“Your bravery, courage, dedication and utter steadfastness is an inspiration to us all,” he said.
“We all know the world is burning and flooding and our climate is breaking down.
“Logging our forests is a crime against nature and against climate.”
Ms Weber said the rally was one of eight held around the country on Saturday and the foundation was “scaling up” its campaign for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to immediately end native logging.
She said protests would be held at the ALPs national conference in Brisbane next weekend and bigger rallies were planned for March 2024.
Wilderness Society campaign manager Tom Allen read a poem and also asked that people send their “love and solidarity” to the people of Maui where at least 67 people have died in wildfires.
Lenny, a protester who climbed 20m up a cable logger, told the rally that native logging threatened the culture of Indigenous Australians.
She told of the “tense and very stressful” occupation of the logger over two days before she was arrested.
“I am one of many willing to put my body, time and resources on the line,” Lenny said.
She told political leaders, “It’s your turn, take action and seize this opportunity and leave a legacy of compassion.”
Dr Brown received a standing ovation when he took to the stage and said the message was clear to Mr Albanese, “Come on Albo, save native forests.”
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