Two Franklin locals, Alison Viner and Archie Donley, successfully appealed their bail conditions in Hobart’s Magistrates Court today, highlighting the impact of what they consider excessive restrictions on peaceful protests.
Archie Donley, a 72-year-old protester, shared his personal experience, asserting that the bail conditions were “a complete over-reach to protect the true criminals, Labor and Liberal politicians who support loss making forest destruction.” He drew parallels between current forest defenders and historical protesters who opposed whaling, apartheid and racism, suggesting that future generations will view their actions similarly.
Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 8 July 2025
Harsh night curfews for forest protestors should stop
Bob Brown Foundation is concerned about harsh overreach from Tasmania Police in applying night curfews.
Franklin locals, Alison Viner and Archie Donley, faced Hobart’s Magistrates Court today to appeal their bail conditions. Alison and Archie were arrested on 24th June at a forest protest in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Seven people received these harsh and excessive bail conditions from Tasmania Police, which imposed a strict residential condition for over three months, with a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am. After they applied to the Magistrates Court, the court deleted the conditions for all, however, many had to spend ten to fourteen days in their homes on a police imposed bail.
“Citizens are taking peaceful action to defend Tasmania’s forests, knowing there will be potential legal consequences, however harsh night curfews forcing people to stay home between 10 pm and 6 am for months is excessive and unnecessary,” said Jenny Weber, Bob Brown Foundation Campaigns Manager.
“When we protest in forests that are ancient ecosystems with endangered species habitat, there is always a choice that the government can make to protect the forests and remove the logging machines. Time and time again Tasmania police are sent in to evict the forest defenders instead. Forest defenders are calling for governments to protect the forests for their critical importance as climate mitigation tools and habitat for rare and endangered species. We are calling for Tasmania Police to cease restricting the freedom of movement for citizens who are participating in their democratic right to protest,” said Jenny Weber.
“With climate change already knocking on our doors, I just can’t stand by and witness the destruction of our native forests without taking peaceful protest. The bail conditions imposed on me as a 72-year-old are a complete over-reach to protect the true criminals, Labor and Liberal politicians who support loss making forest destruction. We will look back on these days and see forest defenders in a similar light to protesters who were arrested opposing whaling, apartheid, and racism,” said Archie Donley.
“Destruction of the last remaining mature forest on this island and the many species that rely on it, is happening on my watch. I feel a responsibility to future generations to do what I can, this has led me to peaceful protest. The curfew conditions placed on us do no service to the community. I am not able to travel to professional development events required for my physio registration. I could not give a neighbour a lift to the hospital,” said Alison Viner.
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