An obscene drawing was spray- painted on Mr Gay's fence and an item emitting a large amount of smoke was allegedly placed on his front doorstep.

Police are yet to confirm exactly what the item comprised.

Detective acting Inspector John Parker, of Launceston's Criminal Investigation Branch, said officers were treating the investigation as they would any other matter.

He said "at this stage" there was nothing to indicate the incident was necessarily politically motivated.

"In any community, there are always going to be incidences of property damage," he said.

The culprit faces property damage-related charges with potential penalties taking into consideration the person's age, any prior convictions and intention at the time of committing the offence.

Meanwhile, Gunns board member Robin Gray said he was disappointed by the actions.

"John's doing his absolute best for Tasmania - I think it's the right thing - and nobody should be subject to that sort of behaviour," he said.

Premier David Bartlett added his voice to those condemning the attacks against Mr Gay.

"Every Tasmanian has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home," he said.

"Freedom of speech is part of our democracy.

"There are people out there who have been calling for `civil unrest' and if this is the sort of behaviour they are referring to, Tasmanians should stand united and condemn it."

The Tasmanian Greens repeated their condemnation of the actions against Mr Gay, following claims from the Opposition that Bass Greens MHA Kim Booth had not been strong enough in his opposition to the actions.