CPA - The Guardian

Nuclear power is a topic which creates strong reactions. In Australia there is a push to accept nuclear power generation as an “answer” to the ecological crisis. At the last honest count it was three to one against nuclear power at the end of October.

Then the Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation (ANSTO) was caught out lying over the results of its own survey. “ANSTO deliberately fudged an online poll to appear as if respondents voted in favour of nuclear power in Australia,” said Senator Scott Ludlam, Australian Greens spokesperson on nuclear issues. ANSTO simply changed the words, “I am against it” option to read, “It is one of the options”, without resetting the poll numbers.

“Voilá” – manufactured consent for nuclear power.

“After howls of protest from irate respondents and calls from journalists, ANSTO changed the poll again, allowing people to register a simple ‘no’ ”, said Senator Ludlam.

“This is a small but perfect example of the dishonesty that surrounds the ‘debate’ about nuclear power in Australia,” Senator Ludlam said. ”Instead of hearing the clear message coming through in its own survey, ANSTO turned a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.”

Small lies may lead to big consequences. Such blatant dishonesty in a poll conducted by ANSTO brings into question any sort of surveys or statements from ANSTO or other pro-nuclear advocates who are trying to propagate the idea that Australians are warming up towards the use of nuclear power.

Next article – Tribe follows Ark to the steps of courthouse

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