Government Challenged to Fund Science After PNG Football Deal
Labor MP Ed Husic has issued a stark challenge to his own government, demanding it "pry open the jaws of Treasury" to secure proper funding for Australia's national science agency. This comes as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) announced plans to cut between 300 and 350 research positions to address a severe budgetary shortfall.
Science Versus Spending: The Treasury Mindset
Husic, who previously served as science minister and oversaw administrative cuts at CSIRO, delivered a blistering critique of how scientific funding is perceived within government. He identified "some of the driest of the driest minds within the sphere of government, notably treasury and finance" as viewing CSIRO's budget as a cost rather than a crucial national investment.
In an interview with ABC's Afternoon Briefing, Husic argued for a fundamental shift in perspective. "If you do value science, you need to stop looking at science and research as a cost, and see it as an investment in the future, wellbeing and capability of the country," he stated. He pointed to the government's ability to find $600 million for a football team in Papua New Guinea as evidence that funding could be located when there was political will.
The Human Cost of CSIRO Cuts
The announced job reductions will significantly impact several critical research divisions. Guardian Australia understands that the majority of roles being eliminated will come from the health and biosecurity, agriculture and food, and environment research units. Science Minister Tim Ayres confirmed that nutrition researchers within the health unit had been specifically identified as no longer required.
Sources indicate that the environment unit could bear the heaviest burden, with up to half of the positions being cut originating from this division. These latest cuts add to an already troubling trend, with CSIRO chief finance officer Tom Munyard confirming in October Senate estimates that at least 818 roles have been lost since July 2024.
Government Defends Its Record Amid Growing Concern
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the government's position, describing his administration as a "friend of science" when questioned about comparisons to controversial CSIRO cuts under the former Abbott government. He highlighted that under his leadership, average headcount had initially risen from 5,514 in 2022-23 to 6,050 the following year, before an expected reduction to 5,495 this financial year.
However, analysis commissioned by ACT Senator David Pocock reveals a more concerning long-term picture. Despite nominal funding remaining relatively steady, CSIRO's annual funding as a percentage of GDP has fallen to its lowest level since 1978.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers rebuffed suggestions that additional science funding would be included in the upcoming mid-year economic and financial outlook, despite expressing personal support for the agency's work.
CSIRO chief executive Doug Hilton stated the difficult decisions were necessary to position the agency "for the decades ahead." He highlighted that the agency's budget allocation "has not kept up with the cost of doing science", citing increased cybersecurity expenses and the urgent need to refurbish ageing infrastructure. Approximately 80% of CSIRO's 800-plus buildings are approaching the end of their life cycles, requiring between $80 million and $135 million annually for replacement or renovation.
