Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam has apologised for comments he made criticising the Bob Brown Foundation’s alleged activities. The allegations were made during an interview on Sky News with Rita Panahi concerning an anti-logging protest in Gippsland, Victoria. Source: Timberbiz
Senator Duniam claimed that the Foundation supported the activities of ‘dangerous activists causing harm’ by engaging in unlawful activity such as tree spiking and questioned its charitable status.
“During that interview I made statements about the Bob Brown Foundation,” Senator Duniam said.
“I accept that the statements that I made in relation to the Foundation’s charitable status and involvement in illegal activities were false and defamatory of the Foundation.
“I withdraw those statements and I apologise to the Foundation for any harm that may have been caused.”
It is the second time this year that Senator Duniam has had to apologise over comments involving anti-logging protests.
The senator had wrongly claimed that Senator Hanson-Young had taken her niece to an anti-logging protest in Victoria.
At the time, Senator Duniam had strongly condemned parents “using their kids as political pawns”.
In a post on his official Facebook, the senator acknowledged the claims he had made about Senator Hanson-Young during the interview were false and defamatory.
“I unconditionally withdraw those claims and unreservedly apologise to Sarah Hanson-Young for the hurt and offence caused to her by reason of my conduct,” he said.
Meanwhile Tasmania Police has not found who was responsible for alleged incidents of tree spiking in central Tasmania last year. The investigation is now closed.
