These American methods are being used here. Potential adversaries from the environment movement have been co-opted and enlisted to help get the high temperature incinerator accepted in Australia. Its an underhand way of implying that opponents are not concerned about the public interest. Champions are those who see some benefits for themselves in adopting one position or another in a potential conflict. They are sometimes more concerned with the opportunity to enhance their reputation than with the details of the case.
All environmentalists welcome moves towards more public participation in decision-making.
However we must be able to distinguish between genuine attempts to involve the public in determining policies and attempts to use public consultation as a means to gain acceptance for a proposal that has already been decided upon. ACF and other environmental groups should avoid being duped into taking part in a well orchestrated public relations exercise.