“Deputy Speaker, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, or CSIRO as it’s more commonly known, delivers critical scientific research that serves the national interest and benefits the Australian community. This of course includes being a leader in climate change research, undeniably our biggest and most serious generational concern.
“Why then do we find ourselves, again, in the unfortunate position of the CSIRO looking down the barrel of yet another round of job cuts, this time in the vicinity of 500 research support roles likely including CSIRO staff in Tasmania.
“These cuts are on track to being the worst in the last decade. So it’s simply baffling that Australia can position itself as a global leader in scientific research, whilst simultaneously gutting the capacity of the CSIRO in a trend of scarcity which began over a decade ago under the Abbott government and continues full steam ahead today. Yes, CSIRO staff have pleaded with Minister Husic to intervene. But sadly it appears he’s washed his hands of the process, deferring instead to the CSIRO Board and Chief Executive.
“Deputy Speaker, the Albanese Government either has a pro-science agenda or it doesn’t, and my interpretation of these latest round of cuts is that priorities lie elsewhere. With climate change outpacing our capacity to adapt, the Australian community, both today and especially in the future, deserves much better.”
