Opinion not fact

This appears to be the conservative view of evidence

The following question was put to political parties in my organisation's federal election questionnaire: Does your party accept that peer-reviewed scientific evidence should be used as a primary source of information in decision-making? It deeply troubles me that the coalition responded that it was their belief that, and I quote, 'All government decisions should be considered and well informed, and where appropriate scientific evidence and opinion must be consulted.' Scientists Australia-wide and indeed the broader community are right to feel deeply uncomfortable with a position that places opinion on an equal footing with research and knowledge that has been gathered by some of Australia's most respected scientific authorities, such as the CSIRO. Independent and scientific advice must always be delivered to and heard by governments, not just when it is appropriate. Scientists are the first to recognise that other factors may influence decision-making, such as economic circumstances, but opinion shouldn't be one of those factors. We must remain a nation driven by knowledge, not stifled by a doubt.