While the AFR continues its one-eyed attack on the ANU carbon divestment decision, today printing the views of the David Byers, head of the oil and gas lobby, at the least broader Fairfax stable is offering some sanity with two Liberal grey beards riding to the defense of the ANU:
John Hewson has lashed senior government figures, including Treasurer Joe Hockey and Education Minister Christopher Pyne, for attempting to “bully and coerce” the Australian National University into reversing its decision to dump investments in fossil fuel companies.
The former Liberal Party leader and former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser are among more than 50 prominent Australians and ethical investors who have signed an open letter urging the Abbott government to call off its crusade against ANU.
…”For politicians to try to bully, coerce and influence this university is just outrageous,” Mr Hewson said.
“The big story here is what got the politicians so stirred up? Was it the Minerals Council? It virtually owned the previous government and appears to have large influence over this one.
“I’m surprised the superannuation industry isn’t up in arms about government trying to tell institutions how they should invest. What if the big super funds were told they should be investing 25 per cent of their money into infrastructure, 30 per cent into government projects?”
Go ask the AFR who is prodding the backlash.
