The following statement can be attributed to Science & Technology Australia CEO Ryan Winn.
"Today's 59 job cuts to CSIRO's Health and Biosecurity team are another blow to Australia's science capability. While the cuts were expected as part of up to 350 roles foreshadowed to be lost last year, it's a difficult day for the staff directly impacted.
We understand that the cuts are five less positions than originally proposed and the remainder of the Health and Biosecurity team will be folded into a new Human and Animal Health team.
The Health and Biosecurity team at CSIRO already went through jobs cuts two years ago. How can we expect to keep or attract people to be part of Australia's STEM workforce when there is so much instability?
Australia has recently come through the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently dealing with a Diphtheria outbreak. These jobs are not just a loss to the CSIRO, they could impact Australia's capability to respond to future health and biosecurity emergencies.
CSIRO is often required to jump into action when there is a health emergency. And the agency's response is always 'how high?' They keep us safe when big challenges come along.
CSIRO received some additional funding in the Federal Budget, including for the modernisation and refurbishment work of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, but that's needed to maintain research infrastructure. It won't save jobs.
We urge the Australian Government to address the future sustainability of the research, development and innovation industry through the implementation of the Ambitious Australia report, including a plan for the future of the STEM workforce.
