Significant scientific paper retraction sparks bushfire debate

Labor has asked the Greens to retract statements linking forestry with bushfires based on a UTAS scientific paper containing errors, but the Greens say other research supports their position.

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LABOR has asked the Greens to retract statements linking forestry with bushfires based on a UTAS scientific paper containing errors, but the Greens say other research supports their position.

University of Tasmania scientists behind a paper examining forest plots published in the Fire journal retracted the study after a colleague found errors in the coordinates.

The errors showed some surveyed sites were incorrectly categorised.

Broader data and deeper analysis has been recommended to the authors.

Labor MP Shane Broad said in parliament the paper had supported political and mainstream media arguments that forestry contributed to bushfires.

Labor MP Shane Broad laughing during question time. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

He said the paper had stirred “unwarranted attacks” against Tasmanian forestry operators around the time of the Bushfire Royal Commission.

“The Greens should retract their statements based on assertions in this paper,” Mr Broad said.

Liberal MP Guy Barnett labelled the development an “embarrassing revelation for the Greens”.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said it was “reckless” of Mr Barnett and Mr Broad to dismiss the forestry industry’s bushfire risk.

She said Forestry Tasmania should provide more data to assist the researchers.

“The Greens have no doubt that if the UTAS researchers have the correct data, the findings of national and international studies on logging and bushfire risk will be replicated in Tasmania,” she said.