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Australian Government Provides Additional Funding to CSIRO Amid Ongoing Job Cuts

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"The funding provides CSIRO with confidence for the future... publicly funded science is critical to the national interest."
— Minister for Science Tim Ayres

CSIRO Secures A$387.4 Million in New Funding, but Job Cuts Continue

The Australian government has announced an additional A$387.4 million in funding for the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) over four years. The package is intended to support facilities, technology upgrades, and research, supplementing the agency's existing annual budget of nearly A$1 billion.

Despite the new injection of cash, CSIRO is proceeding with planned job cuts of up to 350 positions, sparking criticism from unions and some politicians.

Funding Details

  • A$387.4 million in new funding to be delivered over four years.
  • This follows a separate A$278 million funding announcement made last year.
  • An additional A$38 million in annual funding will be allocated to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, commencing in the 2030-31 financial year.

Job Cuts and Staffing

CSIRO CEO Doug Hilton stated the job cuts are part of strategic research portfolio changes announced in November 2024. He emphasized that the agency must retain savings from these changes for long-term sustainability.

  • CSIRO has confirmed over 300 full-time roles are being cut, with up to 350 positions affected overall.
  • The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) reports that 1,150 jobs have been cut at CSIRO over the past two years—including 850 in February 2024 and the 350 positions announced later.
  • CSIRO itself confirmed that over 800 positions have been cut in the past two years.
  • The new funding is not expected to reverse the recent job cuts but may prevent further reductions.

Statements from Officials

"The funding provides CSIRO with confidence for the future... publicly funded science is critical to the national interest."
— Minister for Science Tim Ayres

"The funding would provide stability."
— Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher

Senator David Pocock stated that the funding reflects advocacy from scientists, staff, and the community, and noted that further investment is needed.

CPSU National President Beth Vincent-Pietsch described the funding as "cold comfort" for laid-off workers and argued it should mean no more job cuts.

Background

CSIRO is Australia's national science agency, responsible for landmark developments including Wi-Fi technology, plastic bank notes, Aerogard, and the Hendra virus vaccine.