Prime Minister Tony Abbott has escalated the government's attack on the Australian National University, describing the institution's divestment from certain fossil fuel companies as a "stupid decision".
It comes as the government faces growing criticism for trying to "bully and coerce" the ANU, with a group of prominent Australians lashing its attempts to interfere with the university's investment decisions.
Speaking in Melbourne on Wednesday, the Prime Minister defended the government's crusade, which has seen senior figures including Treasurer Joe Hockey and Education Minister Christopher Pyne speak out against the university's dumping of shares in seven resources companies.
"Of course they should be free to do what they want but when they make stupid decisions we should be free to criticise them," Mr Abbott said.
"Any entity which says that they're simply not going to invest in energy companies is frankly depriving its members of the benefit of some very good investments.
"Australia ought to be one of the world's energy superpowers."
Two days after Mr Abbott described coal as being "good for humanity", the Prime Minister reiterated his view that fossil fuels were part of a future in which Australia "ought to be the world's affordable energy capital".
"That means in the months and years and decades to come, Australia's energy companies will be a very good investment for people who are sensible enough to see where their opportunities are," he said.
Former Liberal leader John Hewson, who is among more than 50 prominent Australians and ethical investors who have signed an open letter urging the government to end its attacks on the ANU, has questioned why the university's decision has brought such wrath.
The shareholdings to be liquidated are worth an estimated $16 million, representing less than 2 per cent of the university's $1.1 billion portfolio.
Mr Hewson said on Wednesday that the criticism was indicative of the government's "seasoned mentality when it comes to climate change".
Mr Hewson said the Prime Minister's remarks "might have some substance if he had an energy policy".
"It's quite possible the ANU still supports the energy sector even if it sheds investments in particularly companies," he said.
"This is just bullying.
"By what criteria is it a stupid decision?"
