Congratulations to Dr Jim Peacock who was recently appointed to the postion of Chief Scientist for Australia.
I have always admired his dogged approach to GM issues. He was waving the flag in a very matter-of-fact way when it was most unfashinable to be pro-GM.
In an interview this morning with Tony Easterly on ABC radio he says he is concerned about global warming and that as a nation we should consider nuclear power.
Not a man to duck an issue, lets hope the New Chief Scientist can foster a culture where there is more open debate about these important issues – GM, nuclear power and global warming.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.
Ideally, an open debate that considers externalities and the long-term, and a transparent, democratic process where subsidies, kickbacks and industry donations bring no pressures to bear (no mafia). Oh there I go being all idealistic again.
I am not impressed with his position of AWG, but then he might be enunciating the CSIRO party-line, simply to retain his job.
For believers in politically correct science, open debate would seem oxymoronic.
AGW? Well he might just be an intelligent person weighing up the evidence on balance. Like John Zillman has as well. Louis you have made no expansive coherent case for the contrarian position – ever ! Get on your blog and give the detailed case for the contrary position.
(P.S. I don’t think he really needs the job – the job needs him – he could make a fortune in GMO private enterprise should he choose!)
Phil,
Fascinated by your comment about making a fortune out of GMO work. Not in Australia though – Greenpeace rats on GM investment here. So investment and research effort has moved to places like India.
I must agree with Jennifer on how Greenpeace make sure that no one makes a fortune ( or even a reasonable return) out of ag GMO work. I am a stkeholder in Australias ag biotech long term future. But in the middle term or at least until the State based moratoria on GM crops are lifted it is impossible to convince any potential investor in ag biotech (who wants to get their money back with a decent return within 18 – 24 months) to take a punt on ag biotech.
That’s why my inventions are being commercialised in the US . This is a pity since I have decided to stay in Australia and would like to see my inventions being used to further Australian agricuture and Australian farmers.
Phil,
I have already.