A quick look at a climate change denier from the transcript of ABC Background Briefing “The Lord Monckton Roadshow” on 17th July 2011. No comment is actually needed on this gem of absurdity from Archibald and it’s hard to get my jaw up off the floor anyway in order to form the requisite sentence:
Wendy Carlisle: A few years back, David Archibald gave a speech at a Lavoisier Group conference and it made for interesting reading.
David Archibald: I'm a member of the Lavoisier Group.
Wendy Carlisle: You gave a speech at, I think, a conference a couple of years ago now and -- can I quote? -- 'My reward for this work, as it is for every member of the Lavoisier society, will be in heaven. For the forces of darkness control the science journals, government departments, public institutes and universities.' Did you say that?
David Archibald: Yes, I did, and I'm quite proud of it, thank you. And thank you for bringing it up for your listeners.
Wendy Carlisle: His motive, he says, is truth.
David Archibald: For people on our side, there is no financial reward; we're all doing it out of love for country and love of humanity and all that sort of thing.
Wendy Carlisle: Do you believe that the 'forces of darkness' are running universities?
David Archibald: Yes, I do.
Wendy Carlisle: The 'forces of darkness' are running science journals?
David Archibald: Yes, I do.
Wendy Carlisle: Government departments?
David Archibald: Yes, I do.
Wendy Carlisle: Public institutes?
David Archibald: Yes, I do.
Wendy Carlisle: Who are the forces of darkness?
David Archibald: Those who wish a carbon-constrained economy on Australia.
Here’s Liberal Party Leader Tony ‘I am therefore I oppose’ Abbott on 12th May 2011, speaking to a measure continued in the Australian Government 2011-12 Budget and one which he is probably going to eventually vote through when it comes to the crunch:
“Government will spend $350 on each pensioner’s set top box when Gerry Harvey can supply and install them for just $168. Perhaps this programme should be called ‘Building the Entertainment Revolution’. Pensioners and self-funded retirees deserve better than this.”
Abbott again on ABC Radio “PM” program 13th May 2011:
“Take, for arguments sake, the set-top box program. Now I think $305 million has been allocated to this. I just hope that none of the former pink batt installers are sorting this out, otherwise be afraid, very afraid, pensioners of Australia.”
And here are more considered positions from within the Federal Coalition he leads.
Paul Neville (Nats) in Hansard 4th December 2008:
“The British government have gone to the trouble of having a system whereby people can get set-top boxes to convert their analog TVs to digital. We need to have a similar program.”
Nick Minchin (Lib) in Hansard 18th June 2009:
“Though no detail is provided in the bill, the department confirmed during budget estimates that the assistance would include a high-definition digital set-top box, delivered and installed; any necessary cabling in the home; and some instruction on how to use the set-top box. During questioning at Senate estimates, the department advised that they are currently putting together tender documents for the rollout of the assistance in Mildura, the first place for the switch-off, where they estimate that there are approximately 3½ thousand eligible households. They anticipate one tenderer to source the boxes, contact eligible households and arrange installation of the equipment. We trust that the department will ensure that the successful tenderer or tenderers approach the task with what will need to be the appropriate sensitivities in relation to these social security recipients.”
“The Government also needs to finalise a strategy to assist the economically disadvantaged to upgrade their analog equipment to digital. The elderly and others may also require technical assistance and support to ensure their digital equipment is properly installed and working.
After conducting his own test, Senator Conroy concluded that installing a set-top box "is not that easy". It has been suggested that free set-top boxes might be provided to pensioners and low income earners. with in-home installation assistance offered, as has occurred in the UK.
But Australia is a huge country and getting us ready for switch-over requires a lot more than just talk. It requires specific, practical action backed by appropriate levels of additional funding, which will have to be allocated in or before the next Budget if Senator Conroy's deadlines are to be met.
The Coalition fully recognises the undeniable benefits that digital television brings, including better picture and sound quality and extra free-to-air channels to watch, and that is why in government it laid a solid foundation for Australia's digital future.”
