CSIRO cuts undermining Australia's research future
Today’s announcement of even further cuts to jobs and research at the nation’s science agency CSIRO is disheartening news for the research community and the Australian economy.
Today’s announcement of even further cuts to jobs and research at the nation’s science agency CSIRO is disheartening news for the research community, the Australian economy and no doubt adding to the already very challenging situation for CSIRO staff.
“CSIRO is an incredibly important part of the Australian research landscape, and Australia and the world have greatly benefited from the work that CSIRO has done for more than a century,” said ATSE President Dr Katherine Woodthorpe.
“The fact that CSIRO has been put in this position, unfortunately, reflects dwindling funding over many years now for government agencies that undertake research.
“It is part of an ongoing erosion of funding for government-funded research agencies such as CSIRO and nuclear research agency ANSTO – all adding up to an incredibly tough time for our research community.
“It’s a very disappointing situation to be in – where the nation’s science agency has its capacity for research and innovation reduced and can’t give our talented scientists and researchers the support and long-term job security they need.
The fact that CSIRO has been put in this position, unfortunately, reflects dwindling funding over many years now for government agencies that undertake research.
“If we’re serious about lifting productivity, we need to invest in science and technology – and Australia’s national science agency is a proven way to do that.
“What we need is long-term planning, strategy and investment for CSIRO, and we need the ongoing financial commitment to match government’s promise of support for science and research.
“We know that every dollar invested in CSIRO return a three-fold benefit to the economy over time, if you give it the time to do the work that it needs to do.
“The job cuts also spell a challenge for efforts to uplift diversity in the STEM workforce, with CSIRO championing programs for underrepresented groups in STEM such as women and First Nations people. Reducing CSIRO’s workforce means fewer positions for emerging scientists and less support for those who remain.
“Strategic investment in R&D – including through Australia’s national science agency CSIRO – guarantees that Australia will have home-grown solutions as we all combat a changing climate and unprecedented technological change.”
