Professor Tasman Crowe:

I agree. There is another evidence base that could come to bear on that decision-making process, which is a detailed assessment of the socioeconomic and cultural positives and negatives of the situation, so that should also be on the table when the discussions are being had. I think that is part of what is stated, and there is an expert advisory group that includes the socioeconomic dimension. Someone who is claiming overriding public interest should be able to back that up with an analysis and an evidence base. To my mind, those decisions are somebody’s to make but they should make them with the fullest possible comprehensive view of evidence that they can lay their hands on, rather than just a few anecdotal comments. There needs to be a proper and thorough evaluation of the consequences for the system and for society.