PoliticalClaims.au

**The Criticism:** Critics argued that appointing a known climate sceptic to review renewable energy policy was like "putting a fox in charge of the henhouse" [12].

The renewable energy industry expressed alarm at the appointment, with industry leaders describing the eventual report as representing the "worst case scenario" [13].

The Clean Energy Council and other advocates argued that Warburton's personal views created an inherent conflict with objectively assessing a policy designed to reduce emissions [1]. **The Government's Position:** The Abbott government defended the appointment by emphasizing Warburton's extensive business and policy experience rather than his climate views [4].

From the government's perspective: - The RET was designed to reduce emissions at least cost to consumers - A businessman with financial expertise could objectively assess whether the policy was delivering value - The review was about economic assessment, not climate science - Warburton's skepticism about climate change didn't preclude him from analyzing the economics of the RET scheme **The Complexity:** The RET review occurred at a time of significant political polarization around climate policy in Australia.