"The removal of peace campaigner Scott Parkin and the $6.8 million civil lawsuit Gunns Limited, the Tasmanian woodchip company, has taken against 20 campaigners raises huge concerns for the future of free speech in Australia" 

"Tough national security laws and the threat of legal action over speaking publicly about issues that impact on the community are intimidating and laws to uphold freedom of speech are urgently needed to restore public confidence and a fair political process." 

"In many parts of the United States, anti-SLAPP legislation has been introduced to protect people’s rights to free speech and to petition government, but this has not happened in Australia despite their being an obvious and urgent need for it." 

"The Gunns case is particularly worrying because of the sheer size and complexity of the case." 

"Even if the defendants eventually win, there will be legal costs involved that could overwhelm them and this alone would deter many people from standing up for what they believe. But the prospect of having to pay the defendants’ legal costs is no disincentive to a large corporation such as Gunns." 

"Gunns Limited is suing 20 defendants, claiming damages for media statements, disruption to its logging operation and what they claim is unlawful lobbying of shareholders, customers and governments. This is a landmark case, which may forever change the face of free speech in Australia."