ENVIRONMENT groups have vowed not to take backward steps in their conservation campaigns, as the state government pledges to proceed with laws paving the way for companies to sue individuals for defamation. The government says its defamation reforms will target green groups intent on damaging the forest and mining industries with dishonest or deceptive claims against businesses. Under the proposed changes, Tasmania would break with nationally uniform laws by allowing corporations with more than 10 employees to pursue legal action against individuals and groups alleged to have spread false and misleading information. Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the mooted amendments to the Defamation Act 2005 were a direct attack on freedom of speech, arguing the move was symbolic of a sad culture war being waged by the Liberal Government. "All these laws will do is give resource rich-companies the capacity to attack, blame and demonise those whose viewpoints they do not agree with," Mr Bayley said. He claimed the changes would reflect poorly on key industries competing in international markets. "We stand by the content of our campaigns and this will not change . . . we will keep campaigning and doing the work that needs to be done." Businesses and industry groups have rallied behind the reforms, rejecting concerns about freedom of speech. "Certain individuals, groups and organisations have used existing laws in mischievous and aggressive ways against Tasmanian businesses," Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said. Opposition spokeswoman Michelle O'Byrne again called on the government to scrap its reforms, but the government remains steadfast in its commitment to push for the changes.
Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the mooted amendments to the Defamation Act 2005 were a direct attack on freedom of speech.
ENVIRONMENT groups have vowed not to take backward steps in their conservation campaigns, as the state government pledges to proceed with laws paving the way for companies to sue individuals for defamation.
The government says its defamation reforms will target green groups intent on damaging the forest and mining industries with dishonest or deceptive claims against businesses.
Under the proposed changes, Tasmania would break with nationally uniform laws by allowing corporations with more than 10 employees to pursue legal action against individuals and groups alleged to have spread false and misleading information.
Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the mooted amendments to the Defamation Act 2005 were a direct attack on freedom of speech, arguing the move was symbolic of a sad culture war being waged by the Liberal Government.
"All these laws will do is give resource rich-companies the capacity to attack, blame and demonise those whose viewpoints they do not agree with," Mr Bayley said.
He claimed the changes would reflect poorly on key industries competing in international markets.
"We stand by the content of our campaigns and this will not change . . . we will keep campaigning and doing the work that needs to be done."
Businesses and industry groups have rallied behind the reforms, rejecting concerns about freedom of speech.
"Certain individuals, groups and organisations have used existing laws in mischievous and aggressive ways against Tasmanian businesses," Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said.
Opposition spokeswoman Michelle O'Byrne again called on the government to scrap its reforms, but the government remains steadfast in its commitment to push for the changes.
