Memo to the Australian Coal Industry - I want information not self-seeking propaganda

At the beginning of September 2009 the World Climate Conference-3 released a statement which began:

In the 21st Century, the peoples of the world are facing multi-faceted challenges of climate variability and climate change, which requires wise and well-informed decision making at every level from households, communities, countries and regions, to international fora, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Those decisions will require, directly or indirectly, access to the best possible climate science and information and effective application of this information through climate services.

By the end of the month David Hollier at New Matilda alerts us to the fact that:

This week an ad campaign designed by Lawrence and paid for by the Australian Coal Association (ACA) will go live in Australian homes, attempting to convince voters in key marginal and mining seats that Labor's emission trading scheme threatens the economy in general and their jobs and communities in particular. This from the same man who helped voters believe that by installing Rudd and getting Kyoto ratified they might actually have the power to drag Australia into the 21st century and do something useful on climate change.

As far as I'm concerned the big multinational polluting industries in Australia have already negotiated a sweetheart deal with the Rudd Government in relation to the proposed national emissions trading scheme.

For one of these industries to attempt to gouge further concessions from government, with an implied threat to do its best to derail regional support for government policy, is a very low commercial tactic which may rebound on polluting industries as a whole.

Like most Australians I prefer verifiable information over blatant propaganda and feel good sites like New Gen Coal or the Association's latest and frankly misleading Cut Emissions Not Jobs.

At this last website, an industry already cutting jobs and overheads though new technology is predicting Armageddon if the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is introduced:

It is projected this new tax will result in 16 mines closing prematurely. It will cut thousands of jobs in the coal industry.
For every direct coal job lost it’s estimated that at least two more jobs will go with them – mainly in regional towns. Shopkeepers, small businesses, council workers – everyone could be affected.
Unemployment in some regional areas will rise even more. Property prices could be impacted. Many families will have to move away to find new lives and employment.

Well, Messrs. Hillman and Lawrence - I live in one of those electorates you intend to target and I just don't believe this over-the-top doom saying.

In fact not even the Minerals Council of Australia believes your nonsense because on 1 September 2009 it forecast continued prosperity for the coal industry in Boom forecast for coal output.

ACA Executive Director Ralph Hillman (below) now joins my personal climate change shame file:

Photograph from New Gen Coal