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 ultimately presided over the worst job cuts in CSIRO over the past decade.
Mr Husic lost the support of factional colleagues and subsequently missed out on a ministerial post altogether. His replacement is Senator Tim Ayres, former assistant minister and a familiar presence to CSIRO observers as the Government’s representative for the Science and Industry portfolio at Senate Estimates during the last parliament.
Staff Association organisers will be conducting a series of post-election briefings throughout June and July, for the information of members and focussing on the implications of the poll result for CSIRO and the federal public sector.
The election outcome means that Anthony Albanese is now the first Prime Minister since John Howard in 2004 to win a second consecutive term of Government. It’s Labor’s best election performance ever (in terms of electorates won in the lower house) and it becomes the first government since 1966 to be returned while retaining every one of its previously held seats.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Party suffered a heavy defeat, losing more urban and metropolitan seats across capital cities, including that of former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. While the Nationals held ground in the lower house, an abortive attempt to blow up the Coalition agreement has only deepened the sense of disarray amongst conservatives.
Following a messy reconciliation of the Coalition partners, Western Australian Liberal MP Melissa Price has been appointed shadow minister for science, a return to the portfolio she held in government under Scott Morrison for nine months until May 2022.
The Greens lost ground in the House of Representatives as well, including the electorate formerly held by leader Adam Bandt. Queensland Senator Larissa Waters now heads the party, with portfolio responsibility for science, industry and innovation allocated to Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.
Educated at the University of Sydney, Tim Ayres was the former Secretary of the NSW branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, before being elected as a Senator for New South Wales in 2019, replacing Doug Cameron. Following Labor’s election victory in 2022, he was appointed Assistant Minister for Trade, Manufacturing, and a Future Made in Australia.
The union is in the process of contacting Minister Ayres’ office, CSIRO Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks said.
“We are looking forward to engaging with the Minister and establishing an open and honest dialogue concerning the issues faced by CSIRO staff over the last twelve months, including CSIRO jobs, funding and the science policy priorities for a re-elected Albanese Labor Government.”
Minister Ayres is joined by Dr Andrew Charlton MP as Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy. Science and Technology Australia (STA) welcomed the appointments.
“This is an experienced Cabinet with runs on the board with the science, technology and education sectors. We are looking for them to hit the ground running on the big challenges ahead,” said STA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Winn.
“In its first term the Government laid important foundations for a science and technology-powered future for our nation. In its second term, we expect that work to turn into significant steps forward.”
Throughout June and July, Staff Association organisers will conduct a series of post-election workplace briefings.
The briefings will focus on what a returned Labor Government means for our members in the context of CSIRO job cuts and upcoming enterprise bargaining.
Attendance at these briefings will be open to all CSIRO employees, however, non-members who participate will be encouraged to join the union.
Ms Tonks said that the Staff Association would keep reaching out to federal representatives and advocate directly in support of CSIRO staff and research.
“Prior to the election, the Staff Association contacted eighty MPs and Senators regarding the current state of CSIRO and the challenges faced by the workforce. We also thanked those parliamentarians who asked questions in Senate Estimates, wrote letters and raised awareness of staffing cuts on behalf of members throughout the past year.”
“In this new parliament, we’ll continue to positively engage with representatives across the political spectrum to provide a voice for staff and argue strongly for secure jobs, increased funding and the important role CSIRO plays in service of the Australian community and national interest,” Ms Tonks said.