Source : Perth Now news
Woodside is pursuing legal action against three protesters who were convicted over a gas hoax stunt that caused the evacuation of thousands of employees from its Perth headquarters three years ago.
Environmental activist Kristen Morrissey let off a stinky gas in the office lobby of Perth’s Woodside building in 2023, with assistance from Joana Partyka and Emil Davey.
The hoax gas leak protest was to raise awareness about Woodside’s gas expansion at Barrup Hub, which activists claimed was harmful to the climate and Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The trio pleaded guilty to charges against them in the WA District Court, which resulted in Ms Morrissey and Ms Partyka receiving suspended sentences and Mr Davey a community-based order last year.
In July 2023, Woodside threatened the activists with civil action if they did not hand over documents that identified other people involved in the stunt.
The activists refused to comply while criminal proceedings were underway, leading Woodside to file civil action against them in the WA Supreme Court five months later.
The case will return to court next week when Woodside lawyers are expected to ask the WA Supreme Court to force the protesters to reveal the identity of other people involved in the 2023 stunt.
The gas giant claims it suffered loss, damage, and costs associated with cleaning and productivity over the incident and believes it may have a cause of action against the people involved.
Climate Defenders Australia will represent Ms Davey, 24, who said it was a blatant attempt by Woodside to threaten, intimidate and silence young campaigners sounding the alarm about their gas expansion.
“Woodside’s Burrup Hub is destroying sacred Aboriginal culture and destroying the planet for future generations and our campaign has successfully called them out,” she said.
“This is about brand damage to Woodside, who have lost their social licence to operate the Burrup Hub as a result of our escalating campaign of high-profile actions.
“Every Australian now understands that the gas industry is ripping us all off and refusing to pay its fair share.”
Fellow campaigner Joana Partyka said it was a calculated tactic to intimidate, bully and silence peaceful citizens challenging a multi-billion dollar corporation.
“Far from cowing me, Woodside’s legal move serves only to confirm the significant impact of our campaign. Woodside is trying to prevent people from doing this again, because it was so successful,” she said.
“Woodside may have endless resources at their disposal to pursue legal action against me, but they sure as hell don’t have history on their side.”
The case is due before the WA Supreme Court on July 16.
