Leaked emails suggest CSIRO scientists have been gagged by the organisation’s executives.

The ABC has revealed emails detailing internal issues after CSIRO declined to make a formal submission to a government consultation about Australian emissions targets in 2015.

The leaks suggest CSIRO was stopped from advising on climate change, and has operated behind closed doors with government figures.

In March 2015, the Federal Government launched a review of its greenhouse gas reduction targets, ahead of a Paris climate summit.

An email from April 8 appears to show Jenny Baxter - CSIRO's executive officer environment at the time - telling managers and climate scientists that the agency would not make a submission.

“The questions posed in the discussion paper are very policy focused and difficult for CSIRO to answer directly as a trusted adviser,” she wrote.

“CSIRO is already well connected into various relevant government agencies and processes and can likely achieve greater impact via these channels through targeted discussions and provision of information/advice.”

Dr John Church - a senior CSIRO expert who was sacked during a 2016 cull of the climate division - circulated Ms Baxter's email to colleagues with the note: “Disappointing, but hardly surprising that CSIRO has decided not to stand up for science.”

Dr Church and some colleagues went on to make their own private submission to the review.

The tensions within our leading science body are covered in detail, here.

The Greens’ Science and Climate Change spokesperson, Adam Bandt MP, says the revelation that CSIRO has curbed climate scientists' public communications is deeply disturbing.
 
“This is an appalling situation. CSIRO scientists need their gag removed,” Mr Bandt said.
 
“What is the point of CSIRO if it is not able to contribute to discussions about policy and direction for the country?

“This is an insidious form of climate denial which says scientists should do their work but then shut up about it.
 
“Government Budget cuts have contributed to this situation by putting pressure on CSIRO management to not make waves.
  
The CSIRO executive will be questioned regarding the bans in Budget Estimate hearings immediately following the release of next week's Budget.