2025-11-20
The Greens are deeply concerned that the 350 job cuts planned at the CSIRO will disproportionately impact public good science, with sources this morning warning the CSIRO’s Environment Research Unit (ERU) will bear the brunt of proposed cuts.
The CSIRO employs 5800 staff, with the cutting of 350 jobs equating to 6% of its total workforce. This morning, the Greens have been told the ERU will cop 150 of the 350 job cuts, which equates to 20% of the unit’s staff. This begs the question: why is it being singled out for much bigger job losses?
Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“Scientists at the CSIRO have been under pressure for years to find revenues to justify their work, including researchers working on public good science such as climate, environment, and oceans research.
“The work these scientists do is critical to each and every Australian, indeed much of their work is globally collaborative and significant.
“With public good science funding under siege globally, it has never been more important to invest in this critical research.
“Now is the time to increase our capacity in environmental research – not withdraw from it.
“Minister Tim Ayres must rule out that the CSIRO’s Environmental Research Unit will have to cut staff by 20% or more because the government is prioritising monetised research capabilities – or it simply doesn’t care about the environment.
“Minister Watt can try to convince Australians that Labor cares about the environment, but in the same week he wants the Senate to support environmental law reform, his government appears to be sanctioning deep and disproportionate cuts to our nation's environmental research capability at the CSIRO.”