Tuesday 18 December 2012

March 22, 2011: ....denial: PM accused of drawing parallels with Holocaust



http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/politial-heat-rises-over-climate-denial-with-pm-accused-of-drawing-parallels-with-holocaust/comments-e6frg6xf-1226026163930

Political heat on the rise over climate denial: PM accused of drawing parallels with Holocaust


THE Liberal Party has accused Julia Gillard of drawing parallels between climate change and the Holocaust after she branded Tony Abbott a "climate change denier".
The manager of opposition business Christopher Pyne said that after 11 years as chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group on Israel, he was offended by the form of words - which he likened to the term “Holocaust denier”.
Amid uproar in the House of Representatives, Mr Pyne asked the Prime Minister to withdraw the comment.
“I think the words being used by the Prime Minister would be regarded as offensive words,” he said.
“We all know the connotation that the Prime Minister is trying to bring about by using the word 'denier'.
“We know that she is trying to allude to the Holocaust. It is offensive and it must stop”.
Speaker Harry Jenkins refused to accept the basis of the complaint.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott accepted the Speaker's judgment but placed on the record that he found the term “climate change denier” offensive and untruthful.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet was undeterred by the opposition's sensitivity to the term.
“When you stop denying the climate science, we'll stop calling you a denier. That's the fact of the matter,” he told parliament.
The bitter clash is a sign of the growing acrimony over the carbon tax plan, which is firming as a fight to the political death between Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott.
Earlier, Ms Gillard accused the Opposition Leader of deliberately appealing to climate change sceptics.
She told the Labor caucus it was a deliberate opposition strategy, not the result of ill-disciplined comments.
Mr Abbott told the Liberal partyroom not to undermine the Coalition's position on climate change by questioning mainstream science.
This was despite his own declaration last week that carbon dioxide was not a proven “environmental villain” and that climate science wasn't settled.
Deputy Opposition Leader Julie Bishop attacked Ms Gillard as a “compulsive liar”, telling Coalition colleagues the Prime Minister had breached faith with the electorate.
“The electorate regards her as a compulsive liar,” Ms Bishop told colleagues.

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    COMMENTS ON THIS STORY

    • Michael of Perth Posted at 3:29 PM March 22, 2011
      Abbott is a classic example of a climate change denier. He called the science on the topic "absolute crap", taking his cue from Prof Ian Plimer, a mining executive who opposes a carbon tax because, in Plimer's own words, it will "completely destroy" the mining industry (and in doing so, rob Plimer of a large salary).
      Comment 1 of 74
    • sheep watcher Posted at 3:33 PM March 22, 2011
      Its like you question anything these days and you get labelled. Anyone who questions foreign policy - gets lablelled a racist. You question sceince and findings - and you get labelled a denier. Are peopel not allowed to question things anymore ? One thing that is not in question - is the Juliar didn't deny or question anything - she straight out lied.
      Comment 2 of 74
    • Annie of Hunter Posted at 3:34 PM March 22, 2011
      And who is running the country whilst both side act like buffoons? Campbell Newman for PM I say, lets get the ball rolling.
      Comment 3 of 74
    • Vince of Sydney Posted at 3:36 PM March 22, 2011
      Just watching question time, Julia offends with her non answers to questions and her attack on the opposition, she needs to remember that she is in Government so what they stand for or what the opposition will do only matters when they are in government or pre election, the only issue is why did you lie to the electorate and to get credibility call an election to get a mandate as the electorate can now see who the real Julia is and as such will be a far more informed electorate than the last time.
      Comment 4 of 74
  • Jarnaby Boyce of Barnyard Posted at 3:37 PM March 22, 2011
    Chris Pyne - I wish we could deny his existence...
    Comment 5 of 74
  • John Nethery of Chillagoe Posted at 3:39 PM March 22, 2011
    Prime Minister Gillard plays the dishonest Straw Man card again. Nobody with even a modicum of science education denies the reality of climate change. Climate has always changed and always will change. The issues in question are whether or not carbon dioxide plays a significant part in controlling climate variability and by inference whether humans have an effect. Gillard plays the Straw Man because she knows as well as I do that the science behind her case is very dodgy and demonstrably so.
    Comment 6 of 74
  • jay of nsw Posted at 3:41 PM March 22, 2011
    Disgrace.. Julia use "denier" to attack Abbott to get the support from Carbon tax. The term "denier" mostly referred to "holocaust". Linking that term with climate change to score few points is very low from PM.
    Comment 7 of 74
  • Adam C of Melbourne Posted at 3:42 PM March 22, 2011
    Tha Holocaust is the prefect mechanism for drawing parraells between forms of human suffering. Climate Change has the potential of doing a massive ammount of human destruction on a scale never seen before. How that can be offensive.
    Comment 8 of 74
  • C Muir of Q Posted at 3:43 PM March 22, 2011
    There has been international debate, discussion, and condemnation about the use of the term "denier" to anyone who has the temerity to question either the science or the political action. It is well documented to be a McCarthyistic tactic in the debate to silence opposition, by word association putting the label "holocost denier" next to "global warming denier", an attempt to villify by association. Julia Gillard and her advisors would well know this. Whatever happened to Julia Gillard's election promise to build consensus before making a move on this topic? Does she seriously think that by labelling anyone who opposes her as being a "denier" that will build consensus? By association, anyone else who agrees with Abbott, also has this label. Is this the way to build consensus? All this will achieve is having half the population who do not agree with this tax, silenced, sullen and angry. A fine way to lead a country.
    Comment 9 of 74
  • Fiona Posted at 3:45 PM March 22, 2011
    That was with out a doubt the most disgraceful performance by Pyne I have ever seen in the House of Representatives.What a deluded nut,no one any where would draw such a comparison.It shows just how desperate the LNP are becoming.It would appear that the LNP are panicking about Abbott and the way people now see him.Pathetic Pyne absolutely pathetic.
    Comment 10 of 74
  • Mark of Newcastle Posted at 3:49 PM March 22, 2011
    It is the pointing out of the link between the holocaust and carbon that I find offensive! Not the use of the term 'denier'. (stupid flat earthers are really grasping at straws now!)
    Comment 11 of 74
  • D Posted at 3:52 PM March 22, 2011
    I confess. I am a climate change denier. It's not real. It's not happening and I don't believe the 'science' (muffled laugh) surrounding it. Hand cuff me now.
    Comment 12 of 74
  • Mike Sloane of Melbourne Posted at 3:52 PM March 22, 2011
    Being offended is Mr Payne's problem. I suggest he grows up and gets over it. Similarly the leader of the opposition. Mr. Abbott has clearly shown from previous comments that he is indeed a climate denier (though tends to sway the way of the political winds as the urge takes him) - the very reason he missed my vote last time around. It's time he started listening to the experts (the scientific concensus). He has 2 ears and one mouth - he should start using them in those proportions.
    Comment 13 of 74
  • Pat McCann of sydney Posted at 3:53 PM March 22, 2011
    I think Gillard should consider the difference between a non believer and a denier! The Liberal party seem to be non believers, as are most of us, when it comes to CLIMATE CHANGE crap!
    Comment 14 of 74
  • Veronica Naylon of Melbourne Posted at 3:53 PM March 22, 2011
    Tony Abbott offends me everyday. Christopher Pyne is the epitome of a schoolyard bully.
    Comment 15 of 74
  • MattFromOz of Sdyney Posted at 3:54 PM March 22, 2011
    Is it any wonder Christopher Pyne is considered the most irritating man in Australian politics?
    Comment 16 of 74
  • Murray Legro Posted at 3:55 PM March 22, 2011
    This is christopher at his worst. To link the Prime minister to the hololcaust deniers etc is the bottom of the pits as far as i am concerned. This just shows that the LCP coalitioons is nothing more than the party of "NO " And to Jay of NSW, I have heard the term denier many times in my life and the fact is that there is no link to the Holocaust and the use of that word with holocaust eniers is just one description. Plaese debate climate change of the issue not trying to drag the debate to it's lowest common denominator which christopher did today. For a person of his obvious intelligence it did not become him or his already tarnished image
    Comment 17 of 74
  • Sou of North east Victoria Posted at 3:56 PM March 22, 2011
    All this proves is that some people in the Liberal Party are illiterate as well as being scientifically challenged. The word denier is commonly used to describe anyone who denies facts, whether it be denying that humans are causing the climate to change, that there are crimes against humanity during wars, that the earth is not flat, that gravity is a force. Just like the word 'holocaust' is not restricted to one meaning, neither is the word 'denier'. Libs are trying to deflect the real issue - working out what strategies and policies to put in place to reduce carbon emissions. (And it's not as if Liberal MPs in Parliament have ever been known for their temperate language.)
    Comment 18 of 74
  • Chris of nsw Posted at 3:56 PM March 22, 2011
    C Muir. You are correct. Gillard deliverately trying to shut-down Abbot by using term term "denier" which often refered to "holocaust". Chis Pyne very smart to notice that shut that argument down. Gillard shouldn't never use that term especially when she said "no carbon tax" before election - which raise the question wheather she really believes in climate change???.
    Comment 19 of 74
  • Mary Gill of Adelaide Posted at 3:57 PM March 22, 2011
    Michael of Perth - you are misquoting Abbott here. What he originally said was "climate science is crap" (which it is actually). There is no such thing as 'climate science' and there are just as many scientists and other so called experts who have data to show that nothing is proven. What Abbott said later was that he accepted that "climate change" is real, i.e. that the climate does change and that he is open to the views that greenhouse gas emissions caused by the population can have an effect. And by the way, Prof Plimer carries far more credibility that Ross Garnaut, who depends on his paycheck from the Gillard Labour Government and who is qualified in Economics (and that is all).
    Comment 20 of 74
  • amc of Brissy Posted at 3:57 PM March 22, 2011
    Oh Christopher, will you pls take your bat and ball and go home! This is a game for the adults, dear! But it's OK when the Libs call our PM a "barren woman", which I find far more offensive. To extend climate change deniar to the holocaust is absurd, and putting words in the PM's mouth.
    Comment 21 of 74
  • David of Melbourne Posted at 3:57 PM March 22, 2011
    If someone denies the basic, scientific truths before their eyes for the sake of a political or economic point of view then that makes them a denier. When the truth being denied is of such importance and has the potential to negatively impact so many then it is perfectly justified to call someone a "climate change denier". It really puts it all in perspective.
    Comment 22 of 74
  • Hugh Northam of Melbourne Posted at 3:59 PM March 22, 2011
    Julia Gillard is proudly philistine, proudly uncultured and proudly anti-intellectal. She has boasted that she has never attended the Sydney Opera House except to attend political functions. Her soi-disant Minister Peter Garrett was yesterday reported in The Age as having turned down an application for the partial funding of a re-staging of the Adelaide Ring (Wagner, of whom she and he obviously know nothing), an event which attracted worldwide praise and a following of Wagner enthusiasts from around the world. She doubtless prefers the prospect of $830M being spent in South Australia on upgrading football grounds, and $8M being budgeted for the upgrading of parliamentary offices. We may be sure that she is as ignorant of history as she is of foreign affairs and of Wagner. Consequently, any observations by her relating to Holocaust denial may be safely ignored. I bet she does not even know who David Irving is. How did we get a Prime Minister like this, the Queen of the Bogans?
    Comment 23 of 74
  • Not the party, it's the leader! Posted at 4:01 PM March 22, 2011
    C Muir of Q Posted at 3:43 PM Today...what the heck are you dribbling about? Pyne is the twit Mr Muir, stop twisting it...hahahaha
    Comment 24 of 74
  • Peter Posted at 4:02 PM March 22, 2011
    Where was the apology from the Libs for calling Gillard, Colonel Gaddafi?
    Comment 25 of 74
  • thetrureal of melbourne Posted at 4:02 PM March 22, 2011
    The House of Representatives on the apac channel is the best comedy show on TV. Why go to the circus when here you can see all the clowns.
    Comment 26 of 74
  • petern Posted at 4:02 PM March 22, 2011
    Jay of NSW and the other Liebral staffers are very silly people. They are trying to spin the populace out of control. Abbott and his ilk are desperate, they are in complete denial.
    Comment 27 of 74
  • Sou of North east Victoria Posted at 4:04 PM March 22, 2011
    A search of Google shows about equal numbers (3 million) of references to 'climate change deniers' as 'holocaust deniers'; about another two million results are found with 'global warming denier' and 'AGW denier' combined. The Libs need to get with the times and buy a dictionary (or visit the Parliamentary Library and look up the word 'denier') - the times are changing just like we are changing the climate.
    Comment 28 of 74
  • Not the party, it's the leader! Posted at 4:06 PM March 22, 2011
    de·ni·er [dih-nahy-er] –noun - a person who denies. From the dictionary, wheres the problem all you buffoons? lol
    Comment 29 of 74
  • cynic of perth Posted at 4:07 PM March 22, 2011
    Jooles has to go on the attack as she was the one who actually DENIED she would inroduce a carbon tax & got elected on that LIE. Best form of defence is attack. Trouble is, she gets pretty personal at times but cannot hanlde it when she gets it back. Really thin skinned.
    Comment 30 of 74
  • Finn of Melbourne Posted at 4:07 PM March 22, 2011
    Only the whining pyne would make such a dishonest claim. Abbott has has used the term himself, as has Seantor Minchin, and that's they are. Does the truth hurt that much, Pyne?
    Comment 31 of 74
  • VJR of hobart Posted at 4:08 PM March 22, 2011
    what a lot of absolute rubbish. It really is the pits just how silly can the media get by running such a ridicules article such as this.
    Comment 32 of 74
  • Peter of Adelaide Posted at 4:08 PM March 22, 2011
    And this happens to be the crux of Andrew Bolts article today... Surprise surprise. The Coalition resorting to orchestrated media campaigns to drop the parlimentary debate to a new low, even for the snivelling Pyne.
    Comment 33 of 74
  • Bill Banter of Brisbane Posted at 4:09 PM March 22, 2011
    Being branded with insults and labels is a sure sign the branders are running out of rational argument, evidence and facts. Being a brandee is a badge of honour, as a reward for winning the debate. Tony Abbot can wear this label as a badge of honour; while Gillard slushes around the mud and manure where this language (she uses) comes from. If Gillard can tell us how many degrees her carbon tax will cool the world, and how this works, then she will be listened to. While she avoids explanation and throws up insults as her best persuasion this Prime Minister can do, that is pathetic. Should we talk refugees? - oops here comes the racism tag. Same PM, same style of language - Same loser!
    Comment 34 of 74
  • Robert of Long Jetty Posted at 4:10 PM March 22, 2011
    What a stupid and offensive comment for Pyne to make. More Liberal smear and screeching. Time for Pyne to go.
    Comment 35 of 74
  • Marco of Sydney Posted at 4:10 PM March 22, 2011
    It's a disgrace to see the Labor party trying to ram such a flawed "science" home. NASA has shown us that our environment is reacting to increased solar activity. This has also had a significant effect on the other planets in the solar system as well - from Mars to Neptune. Many scientists are warning us that the hysteria of Carbon emission related climate fluctuation is the result of flawed science by people on the "gravy train". Why can't we spend the time to take a closer look at what drives this agenda and make our decisions based on real science from actual experts? Many respected Climate Scientists are crying out that their funding is being cut unless their conclusions and results support "manmade Climate change". Ten and 20 years ago the world's Climate experts were warning us of the "impending Ice Age". What happened to THOSE experts?
    Comment 36 of 74
  • D Waterman of sydney Posted at 4:10 PM March 22, 2011
    It was always obvious to anyone with half a brain that the term 'Denier' used in this way was meant to draw parallel with Holocaust denier on a subconsciousness level, that was never in dispute until now, when it seems glued on fans of the Labor party willfully choose to pretend it is just a description. Let's not even go in to the fact that no-one is even denying that the climate is always changing which makes the term inaccurate anyway. If anyone is showing signs of desperation it is most certainly the side using this nasty tag.
    Comment 37 of 74
  • DantheMan of Sydney Posted at 4:11 PM March 22, 2011
    If the leftists want to call people who question the science of climate change "deniers" then call the leftists who want to destroy Australia's comparative advantage in energy production "economic terrorists". That is, unless you don't want to stoop to their level because you'd rather play the ball than the man.
    Comment 38 of 74
  • too damn warm Posted at 4:11 PM March 22, 2011
    False outrage from Pyne. Anyone, like Senator Minchin, who outright denies the scientific consensus that there is human influence over harmful climate change is by definition a denier. It's just plain English and to take offence is to use a dishonest political tactic.
    Comment 39 of 74
  • Sam of South Melbourne Posted at 4:11 PM March 22, 2011
    How pathetic have the Coalition become? That is the most extraordinarily pathetic accusation I have ever heard of. I shouldn't be surprised though. This is the worst opposition I have ever seen.
    Comment 40 of 74
  • Ralf Schumann of Melbourne Posted at 4:16 PM March 22, 2011
    I just wish they stop calling it Carbon when they actually mean Carbon Dioxide. But next they call you Racist! and Heretic! and send you to re-education camp , if you do not repent and confess and publicly state that you believe in the Holy Church of Global Warmology. So all jump on the Green Eco-Train, have another water melon and sing Kumbaja. Next stop in medieval times; in every sense of the word.
    Comment 41 of 74
  • Mahony of Melbourne Posted at 4:16 PM March 22, 2011
    Don't you love it when the right use arguments about language - however absurd - to seek to censure the left. If we did it we would be accused of "political correctness". The right don't like Abbott being called a "climate change denier" because the phrase rings true with an electorate that are starting to have a look at the issue and see through the scare campaign. The linking of this term and the atrocities of WW2 is the real disgrace here - Pyne has overreached and Abbott will pay the price…..
    Comment 42 of 74
  • Progressive of Perth of Perth Posted at 4:17 PM March 22, 2011
    This is bloody outrageous. And I'm talking about Pyne here. By associating the Holocaust with the debate in the HOR, he is trying to label the PM with an offensive accusation. It's like someone front Pyne and asking him "When did you stop beating your wife?" Disgraceful behaviour by the LibNats.
    Comment 43 of 74
  • John of Sydney Posted at 4:17 PM March 22, 2011
    I find the direct reference to the Holocaust by Pyne in a House of Representatives climate change debate offensive, unnecessary and a cheap political stunt. This from the party that coined the phrase 'The Pacific Solution'.
    Comment 44 of 74
  • Ken of Melbourne Posted at 4:17 PM March 22, 2011
    It is a typical leftie tactic to suggest anyone who disagrees with you is "ignorant" or "in denial" or "not progressive" etc etc. What this really shows is that the subject under debate is being supported because of some political dogma, rather than facts or evidence. You see it echoed in the comments by Mark of Newcastle here, when he uses the term "flat earthers" to describe people who have not accepted the global warming theory.
    Comment 45 of 74
  • Rob Banks of Stanmore NSW Posted at 4:18 PM March 22, 2011
    Do any right wingers know how to use a dictionary? The expression 'climate change denier' has been around for a few years now and never once have I heard an Israeli or a Jew complain.
    Comment 46 of 74
  • paul of perth of Perth Posted at 4:19 PM March 22, 2011
    I am a liberal and even I shake my head at Christopher pynes outburst, however I find the terms denier and sceptic a little bit like calling someone a witch in the 13th/14th centuries do you think we could move on from name calling and actually tackle the real problem which is population as taxing carbon aint going to do a damn thing.
    Comment 47 of 74
  • GM of Sydney Posted at 4:21 PM March 22, 2011
    "Climate denier" is clear wrong and to use such words Gillard shows disrespect of facts and the truth. The Coalition has a Direct Action plan costing billions of dollars - if they denied then why would they have this. Also, by using "climate denier" is to accuse the coalition of not recognising that the earth is warming - they are not saying this. What they are on about is that the Carbon Tax is bad policy especially in view that it would put Australia ahead of the major emitters such as the US, China, and India. And by leading the charge Australia would expose itself to additional and unnecessary risks of impact on standard of living, loss of jobs, and exporting industries.
    Comment 48 of 74
  • Chris Martin of TAS Posted at 4:21 PM March 22, 2011
    This situation is exactly the same as the government suggesting that the Sophie Mirabella's likening of Gillard to Gaddafi was/is offensive. Seriously, the like of Fiona on here writing of their 'absolute disgust' need to relax and take a break from gobbling up every little bit of conservative hate they can handle. Neither side of the house is squeaky clean here - Christopher Pyne is simply playing the same game that the ALP played last month, only serving to demonstrate that both sides would rather play games than actually represent their constituents. Understandable though, the likes of you all on here are only too happy to let these silly games influence your decisions and opinions of the parties and the people involved. I believe it is called a catch 22 situation.
    Comment 49 of 74
  • chris of clontarf Posted at 4:22 PM March 22, 2011
    Gillard is trying to take the heat off having to clarify her carbon tax mess and compensation by branding Abbott & Co a climate change denier. In her mind, if you don't support her insane plan, you're a denier...you don't deserve to be listened to and deserve to be talked over...just watch...instead of revealing details, the ALPs plan is to shout you down when you question their carbon plan insanity..afterall its not a carbon tax and reduction plan its a new form of progressive income tax...
    Comment 50 of 74
  • Irene of Casino Posted at 4:22 PM March 22, 2011
    I declare I am a passionate supporter of anything anti Labor/Green but Pyne is way out of line here. Terrible terrible terrible stuff.
    Comment 51 of 74
  • banjo Posted at 4:22 PM March 22, 2011
    No wonder limited news is losing big time - a story based on a word which has absolutely no connection to the holocaust - suggest the two journalists do some charity work to ease their bordom.
    Comment 52 of 74
  • Chris Wright of Newcastle Posted at 4:23 PM March 22, 2011
    Im drawing comparisons here myself......It's between a peanut and a Pyne nut.
    Comment 53 of 74
  • Kevin Griffith of Panicland Posted at 4:24 PM March 22, 2011
    It wouldn't surprise me to hear Abbott was a Holocaust denier. He is quite erratic.
    Comment 54 of 74
  • Leigh Thomas of Tweed Heads Posted at 4:25 PM March 22, 2011
    I dont agree with the Carbon Tax nor the ETS to follow .I do however believe in the efect man is haveing on climate. I am waiting for the details of what it will cost to have either and what it will do for the climate . Untill then I find the lable DENYER offensive just as I find REDNECK or RACIST when you try to have a discussion about Boat People or Imigration.Both sides of Politics Lie and these issue need to go beyound the name calling and into the facts and details of all the policies . Then we need to have it put to the people to vote on via an election. Ms Giilard does not need a trigger to call one sheonly need to inforem the GG that she no longer has the confidence of the house and a Double Disalution needs to be called to sort out this disvisive and pressing matter. So end the name calling and get on with the facts so we the people can make up our minds in posession of the facts.
    Comment 55 of 74
  • the yank of crookwell Posted at 4:25 PM March 22, 2011
    Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says that he found the term "climate change denier" offensive? The man that call climate change crap found the term denier offensive? Is this a joke? Or is Abbott the joke?
    Comment 56 of 74
  • Matt Posted at 4:25 PM March 22, 2011
    The word "denier" is not inextricably linked to the holocaust. It is a valid English word and anyone attempting to link it to some psychology or worse McCathyist style is seriously deluded or attempt to remove focus on their own short comings. The LNP have whipped shock jocks nation wide into a frenzy, doing their bidding in opposing a carbon tax, let's hope that it doesn't prove to be yet another cash for comment scandal. Perhaps the ACCC should be investigating if there are any kick backs happening with Alan Jones and his ilk.
    Comment 57 of 74
  • Gerry of Logan Posted at 4:26 PM March 22, 2011
    What a load of rubbish. The only holocaust these days is the terrible treatment of the people of Gaza by the Israele government. I think people are picking on Julia far too much. Give her a chance.
    Comment 58 of 74
  • Brett Allen of brisbane Posted at 4:26 PM March 22, 2011
    Gee you would think that Gillard invented the phrase. Please. It is common phrase but inaccurate as they should be called science deniers. For the Libs to hide behind the actual holocaust is breathtakingly cowardly. Just stop denying science.
    Comment 59 of 74
  • Bill Williams of Barham, NSW Posted at 4:26 PM March 22, 2011
    A climate change denier is presumably someone who refuses to accept the science about the fact that global temperatures are increasing as the result of human activity. Just as silly are most of their accusers: climate change optimists who really believe that it is possibly for humankind to alter our climate destiny through coordinated human action....when we don't even have a global government. Even sillier are those climate change optimists who think that increasing the amount of money ordinary Australians have to earn to pay their fuel and power bills (thereby increasing the amount of CO2 they cause to be emitted into the atmosphere) as the result of tax, will make any difference at all.
    Comment 60 of 74
  • RichoPerth of Perth Posted at 4:27 PM March 22, 2011
    The climate has always changed and always will. The "deniers" are those who think they can make it stay the same by paying money to Wall Street's "carbon trading markets".
    Comment 61 of 74
  • beth saunders of elizabeth bay Posted at 4:31 PM March 22, 2011
    It would be interesting to survey the gender of the the anti-Julia brigade. I suspect more than half are infuriated males (of the unenlightened variety) who've met their match in the art of the possible. As to the rest, a spot of sisterhood would help even if discernment may not be your strong suit.
    Comment 62 of 74
  • Cam of Melbourne Posted at 4:31 PM March 22, 2011
    'Climate change denier' = denying that climate changes! Is anyone denying that climate doesn't change?! Climate has always changed. Always will. Refuting an orchestrated political consensus is not denial. The phrase is a simplistic yet vicious political construct and is merely 'playing the man'. Just like 'carbon pollution', a politically constructed phrase as carbon is NOT pollution. In fact carbon dioxide, as per scientific definition is not a pollutant. Do we call water vapour a pollutant??! Water vapour is the most important greenhouse gas so why don't we call it a pollutant??!
    Comment 63 of 74
  • human intelligence denier of everywhere Posted at 4:31 PM March 22, 2011
    The word 'denier' can never be used again, as some thicko will connect it to the holocaust. There are alot of thickos.
    Comment 64 of 74
  • Nick Ashburton of Melbourne Posted at 4:32 PM March 22, 2011
    Apparently being called a compulsive liar is ok but accusing someone of being a climate change denier is offensive. How ridiculous. Grow up Christopher.
    Comment 65 of 74
  • Terry of Hunter Posted at 4:33 PM March 22, 2011
    Jay of NSW - right sentiment, wrong person. It was whining Pyne, the mincing poodle. Not Julia.
    Comment 66 of 74
  • Colin Williams of adelaide Posted at 4:45 PM March 22, 2011
    What a lot of rot. There's no link between Climate Change Denier & Holocaust Denier. Christopher Pyne is really off the planet.
    Comment 67 of 74
  • Rob H Posted at 4:48 PM March 22, 2011
    Any rational person would be proud to be called a "climate change denier". Of course what is meant is a "denier" of dangerous AGW since climate changes over the decades. The science admits that CO2 on its own can only raise temperatures a degree or so if they double. The whole thing is based on CO2 triggering other things that will result in the real increase in temperature. Problem is they haven't occurred and the "science" can't explain that. What we are told is that we must spend trillions of dollars all over the world in case they are right. With "science" like that who wouldn't be a denier.
    Comment 68 of 74
  • GraemeF Posted at 4:49 PM March 22, 2011
    What a load of trumped up bollocks. The word denier has more meanings than that related to the Holocaust. This is a desperate attempt to deflect from the truth. Too many in the Coalition have deluded themselves that there is a world wide conspiracy run by scientists.
    Comment 69 of 74
  • Jan of Sydney Posted at 4:50 PM March 22, 2011
    Pyne is ridiculous. "Climate change denier" is a term that has been used for a while to refer to people who dismiss the scientific consensus on climate change. With some of the things Abbott has said, it seems like exactly the correct label for him. It has nothing to do with the Holocast!
    Comment 70 of 74
  • petern Posted at 4:53 PM March 22, 2011
    Have the Liberals turned to Political Correctness?? What other words will be forbidden by the mincing poodle?
    Comment 71 of 74
  • Abbott's End of Brisbane Posted at 4:54 PM March 22, 2011
    "The science behing Climate Change is Absolute Crap" says Tony Abbott. If the word 'denier' doesn't suit then what word does?
    Comment 72 of 74
  • Sailorsam Posted at 4:54 PM March 22, 2011
    Climate changing, so what it always has. Choosing to call weather patterns climate change is really scrapping ther bottom of the barrel. Getting hysterical about a terminology is rather sad when you consider the biggest tax rort is to dumped on the Australian public by this government. Saddest thing is it will not stop the so called poluters as they will simply pass the cost of the tax on to the consumer. Then the P.M. will no doubt become a 'tax impost' denier?
    Comment 73 of 74
  • Michael of Brisbane Posted at 4:55 PM March 22, 2011
    I find it hard to belive these two clowns, the abbot and gillard show resort to such low acts of humanity to either force or deny the better interests of the public, not just on this new taxation scheme but on every other policy matter. They both care more on who has the upper hand on the nothing while our country lags behind the developing world. They both rely on mining and tourism as the cash flow and promise tax cuts on one hand while taking away the services from another. Niether care or have a clue on whet they are doing and serve their interests rather than the country's interest. Nearly every Australian is sick and tired of their daily rubbish, their daily spin and the political circus in general. We all know they spin and twist the story, so lets call a spade a spade, and get some curious and can-do journos in there to ask the direct question. Lets have a mediator that can intervene when they start spinning and put the heat on them. Can we outsource the government?
    Comment 74 of 74


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