Page 2178 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 August 2014
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always very controversial these sorts of actions, but you have to stand up for what you believe in sometimes.” You then added: “I’ve certainly been involved in action in the past where Greenpeace has broken the law and that has been necessary to highlight what we’ve considered at the time to be a greater issue.” Minister, what actions have you taken to try to persuade animal activists not to vandalise TAMS property?
MR RATTENBURY: I have made it very clear to those, through my comments in the media, that the actions that have been undertaken have not had any impact on the cull. They have in fact simply damaged TAMS property. I think this is an important distinction to draw out—the difference between wanton vandalism and civil disobedience.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order members! Let Mr Rattenbury answer the question.
MR RATTENBURY: Those who take part in civil disobedience will generally own up to things that they have done. They have the courage of their convictions and they will stand by them. These wanton acts of vandalism are simply that.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Hanson.
MR HANSON: Minister, why were you so reluctant to criticise this ongoing vandalism other than your statement last July?
MR RATTENBURY: I have been quite clear in my criticism of these acts of vandalism at the TAMS depots.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Ms Berry.
MS BERRY: Minister, how have TAMS staff been supported throughout the vandalism out at the TAMS depots?
MR RATTENBURY: It has been difficult for the TAMS staff who have been involved in these incidents. They have had to come to work to face significant damage to their workplaces. They have had to spend time focusing on repairing this work rather than delivering services for the Canberra community.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, has your past involvement in so-called civil disobedience by Greenpeace made you reluctant to criticise similar activities by others here in the chamber?
MR RATTENBURY: I will express my views on a range of matters in a range of ways.
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