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 protect against further job cuts at Australia’s iconic science agency.
Despite some fine words describing ‘science and innovation (as) core to the Albanese Government’s vision for Australia’ a significant focus of the Statement of Expectations (the Statement) focuses on the long-term financial sustainability of CSIRO’s operations and infrastructure.
‘I expect CSIRO to demonstrate disciplined financial planning and work to monitor expenditure, identify efficiencies and reduce operating costs, while ensuring appropriate levels of co-investment to maximise the impact from its research,’ Minister Ayres says in the statement.
In other words, don’t look for Labor to bail CSIRO out.
The Statement is directed to the CSIRO Board and sets out the government’s policy priorities and expectations that it anticipates the organisation to align to, while maintaining independence as a corporate Commonwealth agency.
Ultimately the Board will respond with a Statement of Intent that will set out how CSIRO intends to align with the policy priorities and operational requirements as outlined by the Minister.
However, the tough fiscal language of the Statement echoes the tone and tenor of comments made by Minister Ayres during Senate Estimates in October, especially in response to questions from ACT Senator David Pocock over the real-term decline in CSIRO funding.
“I think it’s fair to say that, while the government asserts that nominal funding hasn’t changed over that period, of course you will assert that in real terms that’s a different story… I do say that there is a very substantial investment from the Commonwealth government into the CSIRO,” Minister Ayres said.
“I expect the management of the CSIRO to work with the staff of the CSIRO to make sure that the organisation is on a sustainable budget footing and that work is going on.”
“I also want to make sure, as the Minister responsible for science in the Commonwealth government, that the CSIRO is continuing to evolve its approach to make sure its programs of effort are in line with the national science priorities of the country and what the country needs in order to solve the big national challenges in front of us,” Minister Ayres said.
The Statement sets out the government’s policy priorities, focussing specifically on the transition to achieving net zero climate emissions by 2050.
‘To contribute to a Future Made in Australia, CSIRO should prioritise applied research that supports Australia’s net zero transformation (and) the tech economy… more broadly, Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities identify the science and research collaborations Australia needs to solve our greatest challenges.’
‘CSIRO should continue to consider how it can respond to these priorities, including through partnerships with others, adding value to Australia’s excellent fundamental research, and by supporting translation and commercialisation outcomes.’
Infrastructure and facilities are singled out for attention. The Minister expects CSIRO ‘to ensure its scientific research facilities and partnerships are safe and fit-for-purpose and that they develop, secure and preserve critical, cutting-edge Australian science capability.’
‘Operating infrastructure at the standard and scale required for impactful science demands coordinated, strategic and long-term national planning.’
‘As current facilities age and next generation technologies grow in scale, cost, and technical complexity, CSIRO must optimise public investment in its research infrastructure, national facilities and collections for wider use and access.’
‘It is essential CSIRO’s operations are financially sustainable over the long-term. This will require the Board and Executive to clearly prioritise activities and the allocation of resources.’
The Statement hints that CSIRO’s funding woes might be ameliorated by asset sales or a reduced property footprint by looking ‘for opportunities to further consolidate its property portfolio, as part of efforts to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.’
‘Consolidation may also present opportunities to enhance research impact through co-location with industry and other partners.’
Elsewhere, the Statement reminds the CSIRO Board and Executive to ‘demonstrate strong leadership and accountability to deliver outcomes for the Australian people… (while) applying rigorous governance, ethical conduct, transparency and accountability.’
‘CSIRO should model best practice environmental sustainability and act as a model employer, fostering a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment across its sites and operations,’ arguably an increasingly difficult challenge for CSIRO Executive as cuts to jobs and research intensify.
It also remains to be seen whether Labor can continue to avoid political responsibility for the ongoing deterioration of a national icon, while maintaining the pro-science rhetoric.