Tasmanian Public and Environmental Health Network (TPEHN) backs actions at Ta Ann Smithton

The Tasmanian Public and Environmental Health Network (TPEHN) congratulates Still Wild Still Threatened for their actions at Ta Ann in Smithton on Friday 12th July.

Spokesperson Isla MacGregor said : “The demonstration of Still Wild Still Threatened (SWST) members at Smithton is to be congratulated; they are in line with the direct actions of other global citizens who seek a future for a life-sustaining World past their own lifetimes.”

“TPEHN gives our full support to SWST against a company such as Ta Ann Holdings which has a legacy of appalling rainforest destruction and human rights violations in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. TPEHN stands with SWST and the Huon Valley Environment Centre and in solidarity with the people of Sarawak.”

No Australian organisation or political party can support the ongoing operations of any company in Tasmania if it beaches human rights or good environmental practices in another country – in mining, forestry or any other industry.

“TPEHN withdrew its membership of Environment Tasmania (ET) in 2011 for many reasons. Mainly because ET failed to negotiate a science-based policy position on monoculture plantations and water catchment issues which needed to be part of an integrated policy position for any Tasmanian forestry agreement.

“Environment Tasmania and The Wilderness Society are acting contrary to the views held by the grass roots environment movement in Tasmania.

“ET and TWS are not behaving as good global citizens in their condemnation of SWST actions in Smithton and over the Tasmanian Forestry Agreement.

“Environment Tasmania and The Wilderness Society know full well that the forest protest groups have been holding the line for many, many long years. Both organisations need to review their fawning support for Ta Ann as clearly their position is not supported and has seriously split communities in Tasmania,” David Obendorf said.
Isla MacGregor, Tasmanian Public and Environmental Health Network