Facts questioned Source matters

It seems that DJ. Auchterlonie (Gaz 19/1) is not aware that the IPA is a far right think tank that does not believe in climate change.

They will only report “facts” that they support. Ron Moore, Warragul.

About the facts (“Read the facts”, Gazette 19/1). Where “facts” come from, matters.

The Institute of Public Affairs was founded after WWII to counter the rise of the labour movement and promote, “economic and political freedom”.

According to its annual report it had a budget of around $6.9 million in 2019/20. Notable amongst its major donors have been Esso, Shell, Hancock Prospecting, Caltex, Exon Mobil, Phillip Morris and British American Tobacco.

It has also sponsored reports undermining attempts to reduce cigarette smoking despite overwhelming evidence of its adverse effect on people’s health.

The Director of the NASA institute for space studies described an IPA report on climate change as distorted to a degree that rendered the report “worthless”.

If you’re looking for advice on how to safely cross a crocodile infested river you could ask the crocodiles, after all they depend on the river for their livelihood and should know it well. But would it be wise to follow their advice?

The IPA is an organisation that advocates economic and philosophical positions to further the interests of its donors and subscribers, which it is entitled to do.

However it is not a recognised source of credible, unbiased scientific research. Where “facts” come from really does matter.

John Boomsma Warragul