LABOR’S POLITICAL ADS COMPROMISE CSIRO
19-October-2011
At the Senate Economics Legislation Committee today the Deputy Chief Executive, CSIRO Operations, Mr Mike Whelan disclosed that the CSIRO was recruited by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency to help with the Government’s carbon tax advertising campaign. As a result Dr Alex Wonhas* appeared in these political ads.
The Public Research Agency Charter with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation states at point 6:
“….. They should not be asked by Government to defend or debate the merits of Government policy. As CSIRO employees, they should not advocate, defend or publicly debate the merits of government or opposition policies (including policies of previous Commonwealth governments, or state or local or foreign governments).”
Questions also need to asked of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency’s contribution to Labor’s carbon tax ads. The Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct in Practice states:
“Key Values: Relationships with Government and Parliament
· The APS is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner (s. 10(1)(a)).”
The Department of Climate Change and energy Efficiency’s role in spruiking the carbon tax ‘Party line’ has compromised the apolitical principles of the Public Service and brings into question the independence of Government bodies who engage in such behavior.
* Dr Wonhas is the Director, Energy Transformed Flagship