MEDIA RELEASE
25 August 2008

Tasmania Police Protest Pamphlet a Dubious Public Relations Exercise

The Huon Valley Environment Centre (HVEC) has described the release of a new police leaflet as a missed opportunity and attempt to deter Tasmanians from peaceful protest.

"Tasmania Police after casually speaking to a couple of volunteers about their leaflet claim that the Huon Valley Environment Centre has been consulted regarding a flyer which seeks to deter Tasmanians from peaceful protest,” Huon Valley Environment Centre’s  Jenny Weber said.

"The HVEC was never contacted directly to respond in any official manner and were never given a formal request to review the document. The HVEC therefore believe that this represents a failed attempt at communicating with members of the community who are expressing their concern about the mismanagement of Tasmania's unique forests,” Ms Weber said.

"We are more concerned that this leaflet will be used as a deterent to
intimidate the large numbers of ordinary Tasmanians who have indicated their commitment to demonstrate against the Gunns pulp mill, as well as in the forests. Tasmania Police's new role in distributing propaganda aimed at frightening people from engaging in protest is a step in a new direction,” Ms Weber said.

"If Tasmania Police are as certain as they claim about enforcing the law in protest situations, they would act to immediately pursue investigation of the numerous assaults, and other incidents, documented by forest activists. They would also ensure safety by allowing delegated liaison people from the activist group, to stay at the protest site to ensure effective communication,” Ms Weber said.