Senate to scrutinise Chief Scientist

[Willis, Katrina (Sen B. Brown)]

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MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 11 May 2004 

Senate to scrutinise Chief Scientist 

The Senate today supported a Greens' motion for an inquiry into the
functioning of the office of the Chief Scientist and potential conflicts
of interest arising from his dual role. 

Chief Scientist Robin Batterham is also Chief Technologist for coal and
mining giant Rio Tinto.

"This is timely after last week's widely condemned decision to refuse
funding for several environmental Cooperative Research Centres by a
committee of which the Chief Scientist is a member," Greens Senator Bob
Brown said.

"It follows the failure of the Chief Scientist and Science Minister
McGauran to answer questions about extraordinarily low costs for
geo-sequestration (burying carbon dioxide) used by the Chief Scientist
in advice to government and about how the government decided to give Rio
Tinto a $35 million interest-free research loan.

"The Chief Scientist has previously failed to appear before Senate
Estimates Committees to answer questions about his role.

"The Senate inquiry gives him the opportunity to defend his performance
and explain how he avoids conflicts of interest arising from his dual
role.

"Minister McGauran should welcome the inquiry and ensure that the Chief
Scientist is available to answer its questions," said Senator Brown.

More information: Katrina Willis 02 6277 3170 or 0419 704 095

Full text of the Senate motion -

That the following matters be referred to the Employment, Workplace
Relations and Education References Committee for inquiry and report by
24 June 2004:
(a) the functioning of the Office of the Chief Scientist; 
(b)  potential conflicts of interest arising from the dual role of the
Chief Scientist; and
(c)  examine the development of criteria for the appointment of the
Chief Scientist through legislation.







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