Tasmanian Aboriginal elder Jim Everett has been convicted of multiple charges related to protests against forest logging, despite maintaining that Tasmanian courts lack jurisdiction over him.
The charges relate to failing to appear in court on previous occasions stemming from his involvement in protests at Styx Valley and Brady’s Lake earlier this year and a conviction for unlicensed driving.
Everett showed up to the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday but did not enter the courtroom.
Instead, he briefly stood outside and reiterated his refusal to participate in the proceedings.
Then he walked off.
He was fined $300 for the driving offence, which he intends to pay, but won’t pay a separate $78 court fee, citing the same jurisdictional concerns.
Everett indicated he will not attend a further hearing related to two outstanding trespass charges and is prepared to be arrested.
He says his actions are driven by a commitment to protecting his land and upholding palawa law, which he believes supersedes colonial law.
