Democrats back scientists claims Govt stifling debate(Australia)

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The Australian Democrats say claims CSIRO scientists have been gagged from speaking out on climate change fit with a pattern of Government attempts to silence its critics.

Three climate change scientists have told ABC TV's Four Corners program they were censored. Environment Minister Senator Ian Campbell says the Government would not condone any attempt to stop the CSIRO scientists from speaking out.

However, Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett says he is not shocked by the claims. "Unfortunately it's consistent with approaches that this Government has taken across the board," he said. "They clearly have an attitude of trying to silence criticism from all sorts of people throughout the community and that's why these concerns whilst very worrying, are not surprising."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200602/s1568336.htm