Woodside pursues protesters over 2023 stinky gas stunt in the WA Supreme Court
Woodside is taking legal action against three protesters convicted of a gas fraud that led to the evacuation of thousands of employees from its headquarters in Perth three years ago.
Environmental activist Kristen Morrissey, with the help of Joana Partyka and Emil Davey, released a foul-smelling gas in the office lobby of the Woodside building in Perth in 2023.
The fake gas leak protest was to raise awareness about the gas expansion at Woodside’s Barrup Hub, which activists claim is harmful to the climate and Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The trio pleaded guilty to the charges against them in the WA District Court; This resulted in Ms Morrissey and Ms Partyka having their sentences suspended last year and Mr Davey receiving a community-based decision.
In July 2023, Woodside threatened activists with civil lawsuits if they did not turn over documents identifying other people attending the demonstration.
The activists refused to comply while the criminal case was ongoing, leading to Woodside bringing civil proceedings 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 protesters to reveal the identities of other people attending the 2023 demonstration.
The gas giant claims it has suffered loss, damage and clean-up and productivity-related costs as a result of the incident, and believes legal action may be taken against those involved.
Climate Advocates Australia will represent Ms Davey, 24, who said it was a clear attempt to threaten, intimidate and silence young campaigners raising the alarm about Woodside’s gas expansion.
“Woodside’s Burrup Center is destroying sacred Aboriginal culture and destroying the planet for future generations and our campaign has successfully warned them,” he said.
“This is about the damage to the brand caused by Woodside losing their social license to operate the Burrup Center 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.”
Campaigner Joana Partyka said it was a calculated tactic to intimidate, bully and silence peaceful citizens who are challenging a multi-billion dollar company.
“Far from scaring me, Woodside’s legal move only serves to confirm the significant impact of our campaign. Woodside is trying to stop people from doing this again because it was so successful,” he said.
“Woodside may have endless resources at their disposal to take legal action against me, but they certainly don’t have the track record on their side.”
The case is expected to be heard in the WA Supreme Court on July 16.
