July 16, 2012
The Queensland Greens have urged LNP politicians to “keep their hands off” the school curriculum and leave it to the education experts.
LNP delegates at the party’s State Conference passed a motion on Friday which called on Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek to stop the teaching of “environmental propaganda material, in particular post-normal science about climate change” in Queensland schools.
Noosa LNP member Richard Pearson, who moved the motion, said “false prophets” were poisoning the minds of schoolchildren.
Greens spokesperson Dr Jim McDonald said today the decision was “a subversive attack on knowledge”.
“It is an attempt by extremist elements in the LNP to promote both pseudo-science based upon belief and the conspiracy theories of climate deniers who allege that almost all of the world’s scientists researching climate change are wrong,” Mr McDonald said.
“Science is not about belief: it teaches children to observe, test and apply knowledge.
“The LNP adoption of the policy represents an ultra-conservative attack on quality education for Queensland children. It opens the way to the introduction of creationism in schools, another belief-based denial of science.
“Climate denialism and creationism undermine science teaching, which encourages the acquisition of knowledge and a critical perspective on assertions that are made without the foundation of facts.
“Our children should leave school with the ability to assess opinions, distinguish unfounded assertions, appreciate the value of scientific debate on the nature of the universe, and apply these critical principles to all areas of knowledge.”
Mr McDonald said the LNP seemed to have “sold out to elements in their party who have hidden agendas”.
“They promote simplistic world views that are at odds with the international scientific community and its work on the changing climate,” he said.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has been reported as saying that MPs have not yet decided whether to act on the Conference resolution.
“At least the Premier has expressed reservations about the move from the extreme wing of his party,” Mr McDonald said.
“Scientists have built a greater understanding of the causes and effects of climate change that can be harnessed in learning how humans can both deal with the effects of global warming and modify their impact on our complex and sensitive environment.
“It is essential that the next generation is equipped to deal with these challenges. If LNP extremists get their way, the future generation will be ill-equipped to prepare for the impacts of climate change.”
