Arthur Sinodinos (NSW, Liberal Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I welcome the honourable senator's question. There is much to celebrate in this 100 years of CSIRO, a great Australian institution. CSIRO was established because there were industries in Australia that could not afford to do their own research, particularly in areas like agriculture, mining and manufacturing. What CSIRO did, was to bring government together in partnership with those industries to create world-leading innovations. We have seen this with things like the wi-fi and the other great inventions and innovations CSIRO has been involved in.

To celebrate 100 years of CSIRO—I am coming to the crux—we have provided a record $3.1 billion for funding over the forward estimates. Where were you when the former government was slashing $82.9 million from CSIRO and cutting $2.5 million from ANSTO, building the RV investigator but not providing any money so it can operate. You cut 400 staff from CSIRO. Where were you when you were needed? You were missing in action.