A publisher has defended a high school history textbook that calls former Prime Minister Tony Abbott a "climate change denier," after it faced criticism from the Liberal Party.
The textbook, titled Pearson History NSW 10 Student Book, says Mr Abbott "made international headlines" for his negative attitude towards climate change.
It lists his contribution to Australia's "climate change response" as scrapping the carbon tax and abolishing the Climate Commission.
In a statement to SBS News, a spokesperson for publisher Pearson said it "builds textbooks to support the Australian Curriculum and we stand by this textbook and its author".
It follows harsh criticism from Liberal backbencher and Abbott-ally Criag Kelly, who raised concerned about the book following complaints in his Sutherland Shire electorate.
Craig Kelly and Tony Abbott during Question Time. Source: AAP
"Calling former PM Tony Abbott a 'climate change denier' - a claim given legitimacy by asserting 'made international headlines' - has no place in a school textbook," Mr Kelly said, according to the Daily Telegraph.
"This is an offensive slur equating it with Holocaust deniers."
Mr Kelly went on to complain to NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes.
Mr Stokes told SBS News he "appreciates the concerns raised by Mr Kelly and others" and had written to Pearson.
NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes. Source: AAP
"It is very important that texts present information in a balanced way so that students can make up their own minds on important issues," he said.
"The NSW History K–10 syllabus does not make any specific mention of climate change. There is also no mandatory text for the NSW History K–10 syllabus."
"While syllabuses are prepared by government, textbooks are not written or mandated by government. Principals and teachers decide which textbooks to use – and it is up to them to ensure that they can deliver the curriculum through the chosen books."
Mr Abbott came to power in 2013 following a relentless campaign against the Labor Party's carbon tax. He repealed the legislation in 2014, a move slammed by environmental groups.
In 2013, Mr Abbott told the ABC "I think that climate change is real [and] humanity makes a contribution. It's important to take strong and effective action against it".
But other comments have been far less forthright.
"It's climate change policy that's doing harm; climate change itself is probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm," he said in 2017.
The following year, Mr Abbott said Australia should withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, with several government ministers rebuking his stance.
