I’m beyond ecstatic this harrowing case is over but very angry the current law allows it. Adani has willfully abused our court system with 5 versions of their claims against me in 5 years. They tried to silence me forever but I can again speak freely about the damage they are doing to Australia’s democracy and precious places. They’ve tried to intimidate concerned citizens but Galilee Blockade will again actively resist Adani’s reckless plans for Australia. 

This is a massive victory for everyone who believes in democracy, free speech, and the right to protest. It shows that ordinary people can resist corporate bullying and win. I’m deeply grateful to my family, my community, and everyone who helped me fight this. 

The time and money spent on this case demonstrates the impact of the Stop Adani movement, particularly the strategic whistleblowing and civil disobedience tactics of Galilee Blockade between 2017 to 2020. Adani would have spent over $10 million publicly persecuting me and my family but also completely betrayed the whole fossil fuel sector. The information Adani volunteered will greatly inform future strategy of the environment movement determined to stop new fossil fuel projects that put our lives and livelihoods at risk.

Democracy, fairness and the right to peaceful protest has won. Legal precedent set through the case makes it harder for any corporation to attack and silence Australians through aggressive legal action. But no-one should ever have to go through what I did. We need legal protections in Australia to stop corporations from abusing the courts to silence public participation.

In an ironic twist of fate, the US Government has an arrest warrant out for centi-billionaire Gautam Adani, alleging multi-billion dollar bribery and fraud, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Adani hired big burly men to follow my kids around, twice tried to raid our house and dragged me through harrowing Supreme Court litigation for over five years. This was all legal. Labor and the Coalition are clearly more intent on pursuing peaceful climate protectors rather than the violent fossil fuel companies incinerating our future. I’m thankful the Greens have stood by me and hope they can convince Labor to outlaw SLAPP suits, a prevailing threat to our democracy. 

I’ve had over five years to think about what I’ll do after winning this court case that has helped protect the freedoms of all Australians. We are in a climate emergency and I will never back away from urgent and bold collective action that has long lasting impacts. 

I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to Marque Lawyers and my wonderful legal team of Kiera, Lauren, Andrea, Alice, Michael, Claire, Dan and Maxwell. My family has stood strong and supported me, with special thanks to my eldest daughter Isabella, my sister Catherine and my mum Penny.

My life has been dramatically altered by two devastating family tragedies during the court case. I couldn’t have prevailed raising four wonderful young people while facing bankruptcy without the care and solidarity of my friends, colleagues and comrades. Special thanks to Amanda, Donna, Holly, Moira, Ed, Bob, Adrian, Michael, Zaida, Anne, Jenny, Marcus, Angela, Malcolm and Charmian. Also the mental health professionals I’ve accessed and wonderful men who have supported me in my men’s group and at men’s gatherings. 

The team at my fundraising platform Chuffed.org have been wonderful and professional. A massive thanks to the prominent Australians publicly supporting me and the tens of thousands of champions who donated to my legal fund. 

A final shout out to few of the music makers that have sustained me through these tough years – Gurridyula, Regurgitator, Amyl and the Sniffers, Midnight Oil, Ben Lee, Fugazi and Chumbawamba. 

I’m planning a big surprise

I’m gonna fight for what I wanna be

And I won’t make the same mistakes (’cause I know)

Because I know how much time that wastes (and function)

Function is the key

 – Ian MacKaye, Fugazi