CSIRO scientists say Govt 'stifles debate' : Melbourne Indymedia

Three Australian scientists have accused the Federal Government of trying to censor their public comments about climate change.

However the Federal Government has rejected the claims it tells scientists not to comment on climate change issues.

Three climate scientists have told ABC TV's Four Corners program they have been ordered to restrict their public comments.

Public Service Medal winning scientist, Dr Barrie Pittock, says he was asked not to write in a government publication about the potential for millions of people to be displaced by climate change.

"I was advised that if I wanted the book to pass acceptance as a government publication it would be better to take it out," he said.

Two other scientists, who recently left the CSIRO, also say they have been asked not to comment on climate change issues the Government has been dealing with.

Dr Graeme Pearman was made redundant from the CSIRO in 2004.

He says he was told not to make any comments indicating he disagreed with government policy on emissions.

"At least a half a dozen times over the last year that I was with CSIRO," he said.

Claims of recent government censorship have been backed up by another long-term CSIRO scientist.

Barney Foran retired recently after 30 years at the CSIRO and says government censorship "happens all the time".

"Just recently in August I was back at work late in the afternoon, took a call from our corporate centre saying 'Barney how are you? Okay mate'. They said, 'Barney, we've just had a call from the Prime Minister's department - they'd really appreciate it if you didn't say anything about ethanol'," he said.

But Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell rejects the claims.

"I would say that's untrue - I mean there's not a day goes by where scientists in Australia are not making very good contributions to a very vigorous debate," he said.

He says Australian scientists are free to say what they like.

"Absolutely, I mean give me an example of where a scientist is not allowed to say what they want," he said.

Senator Campbell says he would welcome an investigation into claims that some CSIRO scientists have been told not to speak out about climate change.

Senator Campbell says his policy is to get to the truth about climate change and the Federal Government would not condone any gag on scientists.

He says it expects the CSIRO to hold an inquiry.

"I think if allegations like this have been made against the CSIRO then I'm sure the CSIRO will look into it," he said.

CSIRO executive manager Dr Steve Morton also rejects the allegations, saying the Government does not direct what scientists can and cannot say.
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In light of some articles and discussions that have taken place recently on Melbourne IMC begs the question "Have you had your phone call yet Slime?"

Arm the Poor.

BUBBHA

Yeah, this is in line with what's happening in the US and all over the world at the moment. Unfortunately I can't post the letter here because the person involved is very conservative, however, someone I know is a marine-biologist and university lecturer and was recently sent a letter - along with all his collegues and apparently many many other people in various fields - warning them off mentioning anything to do with climate change. Most of the people who have got the letters are very angry, however not everyone wants to make waves. This stifling of discussion about climate change by the US and now Australian governments has been reported before, however the lengths to which they will go is stunning. The fact that they are telling *anyone* who might have *anything* to do with climate change not to talk shows how worried they are.