Australia fires: PM rejects ‘reckless’ calls to limit coal industry

Sydney (HRNW) Australian PM Scott Morrison says he will not make “reckless” cuts to the nation’s coal industry, despite criticism of his response to climate change and a deadly bushfire crisis. According to BBC Australia is being ravaged by bushfires which have killed nine people and razed hundreds of homes since September. As the crisis escalated last week, Mr Morrison faced a backlash for deciding to take a family holiday to Hawaii. The nation has steadfastly backed coal-fired power for its economic value, despite the recommendations of a major report on climate change. The coal industry employs some 38,000 people, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.