Dr Geoff Garrett said pricing carbon was a part of a package of steps to combat climate change.

On Sunday, Mr Newman said the LNP would have the chief scientist "properly" in charge of science and applied science policy if it won office.

Dr Garrett's position on pricing carbon is at odds with current LNP policy.

Mr Newman told a business conference on the Gold Coast last month the LNP would "not at all support a carbon tax at any time unless it's part of a global compact where everyone is on a level playing field"."These are not the things we need to do when our state and our nation is in such terrible economic times," he said.

Dr Garrett, appointed Queensland's chief scientist in January after eight years as head of the CSIRO, said his view reflected the position of the broad scientific community.

"The science indicates that we have anthropogenic (man-made) global warming and we need to reduce carbon emissions," he said.

"As such, I do support ... that in order to get the market forces going, you do need to put a price on carbon.

"But we also need to recognise that as part of the play you need to be looking at ongoing sustainable technological developments and looking to change behaviour."

Dr Clark, the CSIRO's chief executive, said 25 per cent of carbon savings came from changed human behaviour, with 75 per cent coming from sustainable development and technology.

On Sunday Mr Newman said he wanted science to play a larger role in policy development and criticised Premier Anna Bligh's husband, Greg Withers, as the head of the Office of Climate Change.

"Our plan, which we will detail further over coming months, will see the chief scientist properly in charge of science policy and the government's applied science efforts."

Mr Newman could not be interviewed yesterday over whether the LNP's policy on climate change would be influenced by the view on carbon of Queensland's chief scientist.

A statement provided by his office said the LNP did not have a problem with Queensland's chief scientist, only the ALP's carbon tax policy, which it said would cost jobs.

Treasury modelling says jobs will be created in other areas, disputed by the Resources Council.

"The LNP's argument is with the ALP's carbon tax policy, which will destroys jobs, and the economy and do nothing to help the environment,” the statement said.

“The LNP is committed to using proper science to identify the necessary actions required for many decisions, including climate change.”

The LNP backs a "direct action" policy including large-scale tree planting, which does not include putting a price on carbon.

Yesterday Dr Garrett said it was the role of scientists to "inform" public policy and not "set" public policy.

He rejected Mr Newman's assertion that science had been overlooked in favour of politics in Queensland's decision-making.

"In my nearly six months here (as chief scientist), I've no evidence whatsoever of seeing the perspectives of science and scientists, from my own personal information, ignored," he said.

Mr Newman will be in Emerald today.

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