Australian Senate Vote on "Spash Motion"

18^th November 2009

Supported

629 *Senator Milne:* To move—That the Senate—

(a) Notes:

(i) statements from the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (Senator Carr) in support of freedom of expression for scientists,

(ii) the Minister’s stated support for the publication of peer-reviewed research, even if it has negative implications for government policy,

And

(iii) Dr Megan Clarke’s statement that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will work with Dr Clive Spash to ensure that his paper analysing the efficacy of emissions trading systems meets CSIRO internal review standards and the guidelines of the Public Research Agency Charter between the CSIRO and the Federal Government; and

(b) Calls on the Minister to:

(i) immediately give effect to his support for the publication of peer-reviewed research by acknowledging that the internal review standards of the CSIRO and guidelines of the charter are being applied to effect censorship,

And

(ii) table Dr Spash’s uncensored research paper in the Senate.