Media statement regarding WA Premier Cook’s comments today re Woodside AGM

Campaigners Tom Power and Emma Heyink speak to media following their intervention at the Woodside AGM.

Friday April 26 - For immediate release

In response to comments by WA Premier Roger Cook this morning about a peaceful protest by 17 year old campaigners at the Woodside AGM on April 24, a Disrupt Burrup Hub spokesperson said:

“The only threat towards children is the danger Woodside’s Burrup Hub poses to future generations - including the children of Woodside employees, who are all adults now.

“Two 17 year olds stood up for their future and appealed to Woodside bosses in the name of their children - some of whom have kids of their own. These brave student campaigners are now feeling intimidated by the WA Premier threatening them with a police crackdown - a clear attempt to silence them on behalf of Woodside.

“The West Australian Premier would want to be very careful about false claims regarding threats based on recorded statements that directly disprove his claims. We are consulting our lawyers.”

Disrupt Burrup Hub barrister Zarah Burgess said: 

"I think Mr Cook needs to get some legal advice on what constitutes a ‘direct threat’.

“As to his comments - that the young protestors’ behaviour was an ‘exercise in intimidation’ - he might consider the irony of a person in his position directing his State Police force to take action against a teenager. One might think that is in fact threatening behaviour, particularly coming from the leader of a government whose record of dealing with young people in the criminal legal system is currently under scrutiny by the Courts."

ENDS