"Activist groups not directly involved in Tiwi Island lawsuit must hand over documents to Santos, court rules," 25 April 2024

A federal court judge has allowed Santos to subpoena paperwork held by three activist groups who were not directly involved in a lawsuit against the oil company.

...Santos could pursue financial records and communications between activist groups – Sunrise, Jubilee Australia and the NT Environment Centre – and the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) in order to determine whether the company will also pursue the campaign organisations for costs for the lawsuit carried out by the EDO on behalf of Tiwi Island traditional owners...

David Mejia-Canales, a senior lawyer from the Human Rights Law Centre, said the organisation was deeply concerned the decision would set a precedent that might undermine future climate litigation...

The NT Environment Centre, Sunrise, Jubilee Australia and Santos declined to comment citing ongoing litigation.

Will van de Poll, Market Forces CEO said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision in relation to Market Forces but as there are still matters before the courts it would be inappropriate to comment further.”