What do you think of 2009 being the hottest year on record in the Southern Hemisphere, 2nd-hottest globally?

Considering the data that is aculated from the temperature stations is now subject to inaccuracy in their findings it is more difficult to believe when the "scientists" come up with such numbers. I would like to see these findings studied by an independent non biased source. I do realize that temps are taken from other sources also by satelite and sea. But the land data is certainly subject and since we are dealing with government agencies to not question is to subside.