2023-07-28
The Greens have slammed the Albanese Government’s decision to cut $25 million from the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) as an attack on science.
An email sent to AAD staff earlier this month shows the division is set to cut approximately 16% of its operating budget.
As scientists warn of a reduction in Antarctic sea ice equivalent to a once every 7.5 million year event, the Greens are calling for the budget cuts to be reversed and for the Albanese Government to commit to increased funding for Antarctic science programs this summer, especially critical ice sheet programs.
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:
“The Albanese Government’s decision to cut $25 million from the Australian Antarctic Division is an attack on science and could undermine Australia’s important commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
“I’m hearing a number of concerns expressed about science programs in the Antarctic being cancelled because of these budget cuts.
“There’s never been a more important time to increase Antarctic science funding. Scientists are currently warning of a reduction in Antarctic sea ice equivalent to a once every 7.5 million year event.
“Unprecedented low ice coverage has scientists stunned, and is of significant global concern. There couldn’t possibly be a worse time to be cutting the operating budget of the AAD, particularly with critical ice sheet scientific programs scheduled for this summer.
“The Greens want these budget cuts to be immediately reversed and for the Albanese Government to commit to increased funding for Antarctic science programs this summer, especially in relation to southern ocean and climate science programs.
“If the Albanese Government can find $10 billion to spend on a new fleet of Hercules planes, it must guarantee, at a minimum, the promised $7.4 million for research focused on studying the destabilisation of Antarctic ice sheets.
“The Government must uphold Australia’s leadership and commitment to the Antarctic Treaty and the critical globally significant and internationally collaborative science programs that underpin this.”