Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable senator for his question. I understand that the CSIRO board agreed to this proposed merger at its meeting on 30 April, that the NICTA board has agreed to it in principle and that CSIRO anticipates that NICTA members will be asked to agree to changes required to its board and to the NICTA constitution

The two organisations have begun working together on some projects. Formal ratification is required, but I understand that the merger will build a more impactful ICT capability for Australia by creating one of the largest single digital innovation teams in the world.

In relation to the staff, I have a note here from the minister saying that it 'will create one of the world's largest cohorts of highly qualified ICT staff and the collective skill of this team will be used to keep Australia at the leading edge in science and innovation.' The current reduction in funding to NICTA requires a close inspection of all aspects of the merged body to reduce cost.

In relation to the recent Senate estimates hearing, which I think you might be referring to, and the 200 job losses, it may have an impact across both organisations, but I am confident CSIRO will do its utmost to increase external revenue to minimise this. Just in the last 13 seconds, you will appreciate that indeed—