Antinuclear

The NHMRC ought to be able to provide advice to government without fear or prejudice, but I’m not sure that it can

Peter Doherty, Nobe Prize winning researcher

According to emails seen by Fairfax Media, public health officers in the two states wanted the final statement accompanying the release of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s latest report on wind farms “to make it clear that the total available evidence (parallel and direct) suggest[s] little health risk.”……….

It is understood that the reference group of scientists that conducted the review did not get to review the statement.

The emails raise more doubts over the conclusions of the study ordered by the Abbott government, with the underlying report citing 1500 metres and three kilometres as possible distances of concern. So-called wind farm syndrome has been reported by some residents near turbines, with sleep deprivation, headaches and other effects reported.

“The NHMRC ought to be able to provide advice to government without fear or prejudice, but I’m not sure that it can,” Peter Doherty, a Nobel Prize-winning researcher, said…….

Greens senator Richard Di Natale said he was shocked at what appeared to be political interference.

“It’s scandalous and I’ll be following it up in the next Senate estimates. There’s a real concern here that we’re politicising what should be an independent science review.”

Higher priorities for the estimated $500,000 in funds to be allocated for the wind farm research include cancer, diabetes and many other subjects, Senator Di Natale said…….

Bruce Armstrong, chair of the study, said concerns over wind farm noise had “not come up through the normal scientific process.” http://www.smh.com.au/environment/nsw-victorian-health-officials-objected-to-federal-wind-farm-study-conclusion-20150213-13e8go.html