The union representing science workers at Australia’s leading research agency have called on the Albanese Labor Government to use next month’s federal budget to provide significant additional and ongoing support for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), echoing the recommendations of a recently released Senate inquiry report.
CSIRO Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks said that the findings of a Senate Inquiry report into CSIRO funding and resourcing display the deep community and industry support for Australia’s iconic research agency – responsible for everyday innovation such as Wi-Fi, polymer bank notes and Aeroguard – while demonstrating the decades-long deterioration in funding that has led to thousands of job cuts under recent Coalition and Labor governments.
The inquiry was launched late last year following the announcement of CSIRO Chief Executive Doug Hilton of plans to cut up to 350 research positions, on the back of the loss of more than 800 jobs in the twelve months prior, mainly to science support roles.
While the Federal Government announced another $233 million for CSIRO as part of December’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), Dr Hilton’s subsequent admission that the extra funding would not stop even a single proposed job cut underscored the need for ongoing, additional support.
Key recommendations from the CSIRO funding and resourcing report:
The inquiry heard evidence and testimony from scientists, researchers and representatives from a diverse selection of individuals and groups, ranging from scientists appearing in a personal capacity, to industry big-hitters and representatives of the peak bodies for research.
These included CSIRO, the Community and Public Sector Union (CSIRO Staff Association), Science and Technology Australia, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Australian Academy of Science, National Farmer’s Federation and Boeing.
“CSIRO plays an irreplaceable role in delivering world-leading science and innovation that underpins Australia’s prosperity, security, sovereign capability and wellbeing.”
“Urgent action is needed to protect CSIRO’s capacity to deliver public good science and maintain Australia’s global standing.”
“That includes immediate funding to prevent job losses, investment in research capacity and long-term support to ensure financial sustainability, as well as improved organisational transparency and accountability.”
“As a matter of urgency, we are calling on the Albanese Government to use the federal budget to provide additional funding to halt and reverse staff losses and to suspend further cuts pending an independent external review of CSIRO’s restructure process.”
“CSIRO staff – and the Australian community they are dedicated to serving – deserve better support. Immediate and long-term funding, accountable leadership and transparent and consultative decision-making with genuine staff engagement is essential to restore and sustain CSIRO’s capacity.”
Anthony Keenan – email anthony.keenan@cpsu.org.au or call 0410 330 764.