ANTI-pulp mill campaigners have condemned personal attacks on Gunns chairman John Gay and have warned against assuming the attacks are linked to the anti-mill movement.
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"We absolutely would not condone any personal attack or attacks on private property," Tap into a Better Tasmania chairman Rod Hutchins said yesterday.
"We don't want extreme action on either side."
Police are investigating the planting of a smoke bomb at Mr Gay's home in the early hours of Saturday morning, as well as two recent vandalism incidents at his property.
Mr Hutchins said he was concerned that a link may be drawn between TAP - which was involved in a fiery anti- mill protest last week - and the incident at Mr Gay's property.
"We have never resorted to violence, we would never resort to violence," he said.
Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne said she would be surprised if the culprit belonged to the conservation movement.
"Non-violent direct action is something that the conservation movement has been involved in from the Franklin campaign," she said.
Mr Hutchins and Senator Milne said the person responsible could have been a disgruntled former Gunns employee, as a result of recent job losses at the company.
"This is random violence and it could have been conducted by anyone ... there's no suggestion that conservationists are involved," Senator Milne said.
"Violence is unacceptable in any shape or form in any circumstance."
Spokeswoman for anti-mill group Pulp the Mill Lucy Landon-Lane described the attacks on Mr Gay as "very concerning".
"I'm concerned for Mr Gay's family, and while I acknowledge there is a lot of anger and discontent within the community over the pulp mill, I think that actions such as this are really serious and really unfortunate," said.
"Pulp the Mill is against any form of vandalism and damage to property and we're totally against violence."
The state's three political parties have also condemned the actions against Mr Gay.
"It doesn't matter what side of the pulp mill debate you are on, this action is disgraceful," Treasurer Michael Aird said.
"A person's home is their sanctuary and everyone should feel safe and secure wherever they are."
Bass Liberal MHA Peter Gutwein agreed.
"There is no place for this type of threatening behaviour and such acts of intimidation and aggression deserve condemnation," he said.
"Now that the police are involved, I hope these attacks will cease and those to blame are held responsible for their actions."
Tasmanian Greens leader Nick McKim said: "We condemn the incident and regard it as unacceptable."
