EXPLANATION NEEDED FROM CHIEF SCIENTIST
09-June-2011
A shadow has been cast over recent reports that scientists received death threats over the carbon tax debate.
Some scientists appear not to have been totally honest about such threats, as it was revealed today that two scientists at the Australian National University (ANU) allegedly received death threats five years ago and twelve months ago respectively.
The Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, was the Vice Chancellor at ANU during the period when the threats were made. Professor Chubb must clarify the situation and explain that these threats were made in the past, well before the carbon tax debate, and confirm were not reported to the police at the time.
Just as it is important that science professionals are treated with respect, so is the need for there to be honest disclosure to the public.
Claims that recent revelations concerning death threats were not lies, because no dates were specified, are a little too cute. Everyone reading the initial report drew the logical conclusion that the death threats related to the current carbon tax debate. This now appears not to be the case.
The carbon tax debate is important and should be conducted without hysterics. The apparently false allegation of death threats have diminished the individuals involved and reflect poorly on the scientific community.