Energy company Woodside has taken three climate activists to the Supreme Court in Western Australia, seeking documents that would identify those involved in planning a stink-bomb protest at its Perth headquarters.

The protest, carried out by activists aligned with the Disrupt Burrup Hub campaign group, involved releasing a foul-smelling gas inside the lobby of Woodside's 29-storey building in Perth's central business district in 2023. This incident led to the evacuation of the entire building for several hours. Woodside stated it intends to pursue financial damages from those responsible due to the disruption and loss of productivity caused.

Named in the civil suit are Kristen Morrissey, who released the gas, along with Joana Partyka and Emil Davey, who were involved in the planning and preparation of the protest. Appearing for Woodside, senior counsel Steven Penglis told the court on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, that the company believes more than three people were involved in the protest's planning. He added that a fourth person had been identified during criminal proceedings but was not charged.

Penglis cited a related protest at former Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill's home in August 2023 as an example of others being involved in planning and rehearsal beyond the actual protest. In that case, four people attempted to splash paint and lock themselves to a gate but were stopped by police already present.

The court also heard that Woodside had sent similar legal letters to a total of five activists, which the defense argued showed the company already knew the names and addresses of additional individuals. Morrissey's defense lawyer, Dane Chandler, stated that she had voluntarily provided access to her devices during the police investigation, and police had searched her residence and taken documents.

Woodside described the protest as having a "considerable impact on Woodside and its employees" and indicated its intent to commence proceedings against all parties it can identify.

Sources