Gray angry over workplace charges
Posted
Updated
Mr Gray says the charges should never have been brought. (ABC News)
The directors of Tasmanian timber company Gunns who were charged over a workplace accident have had their charges dismissed.
Former Tasmanian premier and Gunns director Robin Gray is angered they were charged in the first place.
Gunns Chairman John Gay and his directors pleaded not guilty in the Launceston Magistrates Court to failing to maintain a plant in a safe condition.
The charges were then dismissed by the magistrate after their defence counsel argued they had no case to answer because directors could not be charged as employers.
In June last year a worker at the company's Invermay site had part of his finger severed while operating a docking saw.
Gunns director Robin Gray says there is no basis for the charges.
"There was no merit in any of the charges that were laid or any justification for it and its a disgrace that this has happened in the state of Tasmania," he said.
"The fact is there were no reasons at all why any of the directors should have been charged, was grossly irresponsible and it is a matter that I think should be taken up at the highest level to understand the processes that were involved in making those charges."
The company faced the same charges but pleaded guilty.
Gunns will be sentenced on Tuesday.
Search for news
ABC News Online takes a look at the big stories from 2008.
