Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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 includes, of course, 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 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. It's simply baffling that Australia can position itself as a global leader in scientific research while simultaneously gutting the capacity of 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 has washed his hands of the process, deferring instead to the CSIRO board and chief executive.

The Albanese government either has a pro-science agenda or it doesn't, and my interpretation of this latest round of cuts is that its priorities lay elsewhere. With climate change outpacing our capacity to adapt, the Australian community, both today and especially in the future, deserves much, much better.