THE Coalition says free speech must not be stifled in the climate debate, after claims of death threats against some leading climate scientists were debunked.
Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim found there was no evidence of death threats in emails sent to climate change researchers at the Australian National University last year.
Mr Pilgrim was called in to adjudicate on a Freedom of Information application in relation to Fairfax and ABC reports in June detailing the alleged threats.
Opposition climate spokesman Greg Hunt said threats were “completely unacceptable” but claims should not be exaggerated.
“There is no place for overstatement,” he said.
Mr Hunt said members of the public were angry because the government did not accept any opinions against the carbon tax and they should be allowed to do so.
“Everyone has the right to a view and one of the frustrations is that the government denounces anyone who disagrees with it,” Mr Hunt said.
“The real issue is the carbon tax and now it appears that even its own backbench and ministers are divided on the carbon tax but gagged from speaking.
“The Prime Minister should lift the gag on free speech among her members and let them speak openly on the carbon tax.”
100% true..
Michael Mann said he received death threats. He should be made to prove this allegation by presenting evidence in court or admit he is a liar. Somebody go after this. He can be placed on the same pedestal as Peter Gleick.