Environment
Department admits “error” in plagiarising Gunns
An official from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry admitted in Estimates hearings today that the Department made an “error” in taking material directly from the Gunns website for a Ministerial Statement.
Minister Burke’s Ministerial Statement on the proposed Gunns Pulp Mill, on 24 June 2009, included several sections which appeared to be taken without reference directly from the Gunns website.
“What confidence can the community have that the Government is at arm’s length from the loggers when they are plagiarising from their website for major parliamentary speeches?” Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne asked.
“I absolutely accept that an apology was made, but nevertheless this plagiarism raises important questions about the too close links between our governments and industries like logging and coal.”
Rick Pilkington first raised this issue on Tasmanian Times: Here
Senator Christine Milne