CSIRO's $233M Funding Boost vs. 350 Job Cuts: What It Means for Australia's Science Future

The CSIRO has received a $233 million funding boost from the federal government, but the national science agency will still proceed with up to 350 job cuts announced last month. This development raises critical questions about the sustainability of Australia's research sector and its impact on jobs.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the funding as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), emphasizing the government's support for CSIRO's work in key areas like artificial intelligence, critical minerals, climate change adaptation, agricultural productivity, and biosecurity.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the $233 million boost to the CSIRO at the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

"The Albanese Government backs the CSIRO and is supporting it to continue its vital work into the future," Chalmers said. "The future of our economy and our nation's productivity depend on the pioneering research the CSIRO does in these fields, which is why this funding boost is so important."

However, this funding comes after CSIRO revealed last month that its funding had failed to keep pace with rising costs, leading to the planned job cuts. Up to 150 of those roles are from the environmental research unit, which focuses on climate and adaptation science, water security, and oceans.

A CSIRO spokesperson welcomed the funding but noted it is short-term support, stating: "CSIRO must retain the savings that will come from the recently announced changes to our research portfolio — which include an estimated reduction of 300-350 [full time equivalent] roles." The agency highlighted that its appropriation funding has risen by only 1.3% per year since 2010, while inflation averaged 2.7% over the same period.

Science Minister Tim Ayers emphasized the funding's role in safeguarding research critical to Australia's prosperity and security, but concerns remain about long-term sustainability.

Not a Long-Term Solution

Ryan Winn, Chief Executive of Science and Technology Australia, called the $233 million boost "a good start" but stressed it is not a sustainable solution. "It is just a one-off payment investment — which is great to see and it will help buffer some of the big questions that CSIRO is dealing with," Winn said. "But it is not a sustainable, long-term solution, which is what we want to see for the science sector."

Ryan Winn says the announcement is not a long-term solution. (Supplied: Science and Technology Australia)

Susan Tonks, Community and Public Sector Union CSIRO section secretary, echoed this sentiment, noting that the funding will help urgent pressures but "not address long-term funding issues." She urged CSIRO management to "do the right thing with this funding and ensure further job cuts are abandoned."

Community and Public Sector Union CSIRO section secretary Susan Tonks says CSIRO's funding arrangement has not kept pace with the cost of doing science. (Supplied: Instagram)

Retaining the Best Talent

Winn warned that Australia's low investment in research and development—at 1.68% of GDP compared to the OECD average of 2.7% and South Korea's 4.9%—could lead to a brain drain. "If I heard my job was on the line, I would be looking at other options," he said, highlighting the risk of losing top scientific talent to countries with stronger investment in science.

Other National Institutions Receive Funding Boost

The MYEFO also included funding for other national institutions in Canberra, such as $220 million over five years to fix the National Gallery of Australia's leaking roof, $4.5 million for the National Library's heritage windows, and nearly $120 million over four years for the Australian War Memorial's redevelopment.