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.
The short meeting between the Minister and union leaders represents an important first step in establishing an ongoing relationship and deepening the quality of employee engagement at CSIRO as the organisation continues to face strategic challenges.
Minister Ayres was appointed Minister for Science and Minister for Industry and Innovation by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in last’s month’s ministerial reshuffle following Labor’s thumping election win.
In attendance (from left) CPSU National Secretary Melissa Donnelly, CSIRO Staff Association Governing Councillor Dr Everard Edwards, Minister Tim Ayres, CSIRO Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks and Treasurer Dr Scott Wilkinson.
While Parliament is not due to resume until late July, Minister Ayres has been busy engaging with key stakeholders and leading policy debate within the science portfolio, particularly regarding the potential of new technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve productivity.
In attendance at the meeting in Australian Parliament House was CPSU National Secretary Melissa Donnelly, CSIRO Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks, Treasurer Dr Scott Wilkinson and Governing Councillor Dr Everard Edwards.
Minister Ayres indicated his keen interest in the situation at CSIRO and the views of staff and their union.
Staff Association representatives noted the requirement of the organisation to consult staff on proposed decisions as well as the implementation of major changes within CSIRO.
This led to discussion on the ongoing health and safety effects of the ES restructure, specifically the projected increase in workloads and work intensification, which may heighten the risk of psychosocial hazards.
Union representatives stressed that CSIRO staff are ready, willing and able to help the nation to be more efficient around increasing climate intelligence, informing the energy transition, enabling growth in the agricultural sector, improving bushfire resilience, building future industries and progressing other science goals.
Minister Ayres indicated his willingness to establish an ongoing dialogue with CPSU and Staff Association representatives and signalled his readiness to meet again in the future.