KEITH PETTIGREW: Secret state - The Geelong Advertiser

On the federal front, I consider the climate change debate _ I notice it's not global warming any more _ to be absolutely the greatest denial of the Australian community's democratic right to participate. The prime minister appointed a single person who was given three months to produce a report on which the Government will base a set of policies which will have such a profound effect and impose so much hardship on the Australian general population forever.

Surely an independent group of scientists, industrialists, farmers, economists, etc, should have been appointed to consult as far as possible _ and given a reasonable time to address the issues and concerns arising _ before reporting to the Government on what appears to be an issue that is growing into a monster. If it's not handled correctly and with compassion it will destroy the Australian way of life.