All issues of Pulse published in 2025, please scroll down for links to content.
—
Staff dissatisfaction at the impact of the ongoing Enterprise Services restructure in the Information and Technology Management function have been underscored through the release of a powerful report that highlights not only the technical and operational concerns raised, but also the broader effect on morale, scientific capability, and CSIRO’s shared sense of purpose. Read more here.
CSIRO’s culture survey has now closed with Chief Executive Doug Hilton and his team hoping for a turnaround in workforce sentiment from last year’s exercise, which revealed a slide in employee confidence over the performance of the organisation’s senior leadership. Story here.
Labor’s landslide federal election victory – securing 94 seats in the House of Representatives with a majority of 18 – has also swept aside former Science Minister Ed Husic; who presided over the worst job cuts in CSIRO over the past decade, lost the support of factional colleagues and subsequently missed out on a ministerial post altogether. Full report here.
Budget pressures, workplace safety and research collaboration with the US featured as key topics of discussion when Staff Association leaders met with senior executives during the latest meeting of Consultative Council. Unsurprisingly, the the Enterprise Services restructure cast a long shadow over proceedings. More detail here.
The CSIRO has announced it will stop printing popular science magazines Cosmos and Double Helix, with the national science agency blaming “the rising costs of producing print magazines.”
This comes less than year after CSIRO Publishing, the agency’s editorially independent publishing arm, took ownership of the quarterly science news magazine. More here.
—
Recently appointed Science Minister Tim Ayres recently met with Staff Association and CPSU representatives in Canberra to discuss CSIRO jobs, funding and the re-elected Labor Government’s priorities for Australia’s research sector. Story here.
The ongoing Enterprise Services restructure has swept through CSIRO’s people function, with the finalisation of a new proposal that will shed almost 36 full time equivalent positions. However cuts to Health Safety and Environment have the potential to cause real headaches. Full report here.
Science Minister Tim Ayres has pitched the potential productivity benefits of Artificial Intelligence, while insisting that unions have a role to play in representing the rights of workers during the introduction of the new technology. Read more here.
Land mine clearance operations is a dangerous and painstaking task. It can take decades to rid a country of explosive remnants, but an Australian company – partnered with CSIRO – has developed new technology that could make the process faster, smarter and safer. More here.
A quick reminder that CSIRO Staff Association membership contributions are tax deductible. If you pay union dues through payroll deduction, claimable membership fees will be listed on your 2023-24 Income Statement issued by CSIRO.
—
The Community and Public Sector Union has warned that an ongoing agenda of aggressive cuts at the CSIRO is putting Australia’s long-term productivity and innovation capacity at risk. Story here. For a list of related media coverage, including links and transcripts, click here.
Uh-oh. CSIRO has confessed to the systematic underpayment of leave entitlements of more than one hundred former casual employees over a seven-year period, to the tune of nearly $300,000… but has stopped short of offering an apology. Exclusive report here.
The inaugural version of The CSIRO Book is now available, a publication aimed at clarifying the organisation’s research efforts and a key component of Executive’s strategy, alongside the Enterprise Services restructure and Property and Infrastructure sustainability. More here.
Results from CSIRO’s latest culture survey show a snapshot of a workforce struggling with low morale, lacking confidence in the organisation’s strategic direction and still reeling from the impact of hundreds of job cuts to support roles. Special analysis here.
Leading weather and climate scientists say Australia’s weather forecasts are under threat from deep cuts being made to key United States scientific agencies, following the reelection of avowed climate sceptic, President Donald Trump. Read more here.
—
The union has been active in the media, standing up for CSIRO jobs and research. Amid speculation that further cuts are on the way, we’ll continue to hold Executive to account and make sure the public understand the impact of cuts to CSIRO research. Visit our media page here.
With just over twelve months until to the nominal expiry of the current deal, it’s time to start preparing to campaign for a replacement enterprise agreement. Take part in our snap poll to help determine early priority issues for bargaining. Thanks to everyone who has already participated.
As the Enterprise Services (ES) restructure nears conclusion, staff are now starting to experience the serious consequences of significant job cuts. Our workplace health and safety survey is aimed at the impact of ES reform on workloads, staffing levels and support services. More here.
Are you interested in meeting people and lending a hand to your colleagues? CSIRO Staff Association delegates make a big difference supporting members in the workplace by providing information, advice and support. Nominations are now open, find out more here
—
Achieving a decent pay rise is the top priority for CSIRO employees, according to the results of a snap poll ahead of the upcoming bargaining round. Elsewhere, the early results our workloads survey shows that staff are struggling with the impact of job cuts. Read more here.
CSIRO Executive and the Federal Government have been grilled in Senate Estimates over cuts to jobs and research. New analysis from ACT Senator David Pocock has revealed that CSIRO funding is declining, in real terms. First reported by Guardian Australia, read more here.
However, Science Minister Tim Ayres has issued a new Statement of Expectations to CSIRO that suggests that the Federal Government will continue to resist calls for additional funding to stop further job cuts at Australia’s iconic science agency. More here.
The festive season and summer holidays can just about break the budget. However, union members have access to an extensive range of benefits and services that can provide real relief. Find out more about member benefits by attending an information session. Details here.
Put this in your diary. The CSIRO Staff Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 12pm (AEDT) Friday 5 December 2025 by video conference. The AGM is a key accountability measure, enabling oversight of the union’s operations and finances. Read more here.
An important part of the preparations for the upcoming campaign is our members-only bargaining survey. The survey takes less than ten minutes to complete and seeks views on CSIRO workplace rights and conditions. Thanks to everyone who has already participated. Otherwise.. Last chance!
—
Chief Executive Doug Hilton will persevere with plans to enact deep research cuts, indicating that the Government’s $233 million bailout would not stop proposed job losses. Elsewhere, records show Dr Hilton was paid close to $1M last year, including a performance bonus. Story here.
The Australian Senate spent much of the last sitting week of the parliamentary year focusing on proposed CSIRO research and job cuts. An investigation into CSIRO funding and resourcing is due to report early next year. Full report here. Contribute to our inquiry submission here.
CSIRO staff have identified pay and job security as the most important priorities for the upcoming enterprise bargaining round. Staff Association representatives are in the process of developing the union’s bargaining claim, due for member consideration in February. Complete results here.
Every February, the United Nations observes the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). Come together with CSIRO colleagues across the country for our regular IDWGS online event, hosted by Staff Association, Thursday 12 February 2026. Details and registration here.
Staff Association members and delegates are invited to submit an expression of interest to attend Science meets Parliament (SMP). As a founding member of event host Science and Technology Australia, each year the union sponsors a number of members to participate. More here.