A Senate inquiry hearing into the job and program cuts at the CSIRO, Australia's leading scientific research agency, has revealed low morale for our scientific community and a grim future for essential science in the face of the climate crisis.
Damning evidence to the committee today showed:
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A push to privatise research funding at CSIRO, with implications for the nature of CSIRO's research agenda.
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Further jobs cuts (up to 350) are expected at CSIRO, on top of the 800 positions already slashed in the past 18 months.
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Low morale among the workforce at CSIRO with staff left devastated by the dehumanising approach to job and program cuts without consultation.
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Inadequate government funding of Australia's leading scientific research agency, which is unable to keep up with inflation costs of research.
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An economic and human life cost from "adapting blindly" to the climate crisis as a result of lack of funding.
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Shrinking career opportunities for scientists as a result dwindling funds and employment opportunities at CSIRO and universities.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for finance, public sector, workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:
"The Greens secured this inquiry in response to job cuts and funding pressures. The inquiry has revealed the real-world implications of inadequate public funding for science and on our ability to face the climate crisis and future health challenges.
"I've heard evidence today from a range of different scientists who have shared the alarming consequences of funding cuts. In the midst of a climate crisis and after a global pandemic, Labor is pouring billions into submarines instead of the fundamental research needed to adapt to and tackle these global challenges.
"At a time when science investment should be growing, our leading research agency is cutting hundreds of jobs to stay afloat. These aren't just numbers - they're skilled workers essential to Australia's scientific future. Our science needs long-term continuity of funding and should be at least in line with the OECD average of 2.7% of GDP.
"CSIRO workers are facing relentless uncertainty about their jobs and research. These are dedicated scientists, and losing their expertise would be a serious blow.
"In the face of a worsening climate crisis, the work of the CSIRO is vitally important to Australians and our future generations. We should be strengthening our research capacity, not murdering its capability slice by painful slice.
"The Greens are calling on the government to properly resource CSIRO to ensure the long term critical science and knowledge we need to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We heard evidence that, once lost, it will be difficult if not impossible to rebuild these research capabilities."
As stated by Greens spokesperson for science and Senator for Lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:
"Cutting CSIRO staff and science programs, especially within the Environmental Research Division in Hobart, shows the Albanese Labor government does not truly value environmental science or the scientific community in Tasmania.
"From the high personal cost being imposed on each and every scientist being told their life's work is no longer important and required, through to institutional reputational damage and the negative message this sends to young career scientists - it's a very difficult time and it doesn't have to be this way.
"You can't gut the critical role scientists play at CSIRO and then turn around and say you support early career research programs, that just doesn't make sense.
"It is deceitful for the government to say job cuts are necessary due to budget constraints when it can find hundreds of billions of dollars for nuclear submarines and subsidies for fossil fuel companies.
"It is clear that science is no longer a priority for this government."
