North Queensland MP Bob Katter is calling for a full inquiry into the sacking of James Cook University Professor Peter Ridd.

The university has denied Professor Ridd was dismissed because he publicly challenged Great Barrier Reef science and climate change.

But Mr Katter says the university is indulging in “thought control”.

Professor Ridd tells Alan Jones academic freedom is at risk:

“That’s the crucial thing, isn’t it? Academics need to be able to speak and actually, on occasions, even make mistakes without feeling they’re next to the edge of a cliff and could fall over.

“They need to be able to argue. If they can’t argue you can’t have a proper debate. If you can’t have a proper debate, you can’t have science.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview