Flinders University: say no to the cash for Lomborg scheme

The Australian Greens have called on Flinders University to follow the University of Western Australia and reject the Abbott government's desperate bid to find a host for climate sceptic Bjorn Lomborg.

"It would be extraordinary if Flinders University accepted Education Minister Christopher Pyne's $4 million to host Bjorn Lomborg whose work has been widely discredited by both scientists and economists," Greens spokesperson for higher education Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

"Chancellor Stephen Gerlach, a former chairman of oil company Santos, would be wise to take note of the successful community campaign run by students, staff and the community in Western Australia and reject the Bjorn Lomborg vanity project.

"With the Abbott government still offering $4 million to host Mr Lomborg, it's clear their budget emergency doesn't apply to their climate sceptic mates.

"It is shameful that Education Minister Pyne is dangling a $4 million reward to host a climate policy sceptic, while threatening to cut billions of dollars of university funding.

"The Greens support Flinders staff and students who want to follow the University of Western Australia's lead and fight the Abbott government's continuing attack on higher education and climate change," said Senator Rhiannon.

Contact: Brami Jegan 0487 350 880