Four of the remaining defendants in the ‘Gunns 20’ civil case today served notice in the Victorian Supreme Court that they will self represent at the February 2010 trial.

At the Annual General Meeting of Gunns Ltd in Launceston today, a question was asked from the floor as to whether Gunns Ltd were aware of this, and how they think this will affect Gunns’ image nationally and overseas.

"Gunns have sued 33 people and spent over $3 million dollars suing anyone who dared speak against their destruction of Tasmania’s wild forests. Just to defend yourself in this type of civil case can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, self representing is one of the only options that most ordinary people have in these situations,” said Adam Burling, Gunns20 defendant #1

“As defendants we will be up against, a ruthless billion dollar company and their team of expensive lawyers, but in the end nothing will deter me from standing up for Tasmania’s ancient forests,” said Mr Burling.

Louise Morris self representing defendant said “After almost five years of this multi-million dollar lawsuit from Gunns Ltd dragging on I decided it was time that I, as an individual being sued, tackle this case head on, as an individual and self represent. This is clearly not a decision I have taken lightly. This trial will be a highly stressful and arduous process, but I think it is worth it to protect our right to free speech – and basic civil liberties.”

Friday 13 November lawyers for Adam Burling, Louise Morris, Neal Funnell and Lu Gerharty will appear in the Victorian Supreme court to announce they will cease to act for these defendants who from now on will undertake the case as self represented defendants.