As an organisation primarily concerned with grass-roots initiated change, RAG has attracted membership from a broad section of the community representing a spectrum of philosophical theories of change. Consistent with our nonviolent practices, RAG has had a policy of openness and honesty with all parties involved when planning and executing our actions. I write this in order to share with readers some of the rationale behind our tactics of openness and honesty with the police. In my experience, openness and honesty in the RAG campaigns I have been involved with in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne is paying off for a number of reasons. Firstly, truthfulness as opposed to secrecy discourages the presence of fear at our actions, both on the part of police and activists.
Fear is the basis of much violence that occurs at direct action situations.
Violent confrontation with the police can come in many forms - psychological or physical. Either way it does nothing to save the world's rainforests. It clouds the issue as one of law and order. Good nonviolent politics in my opinion is about delivering to the media and the opponent the exact message you want them to receive. It leaves no room for mistake.