2016-02-09
The Australian Greens today said the CSIRO’s cuts to climate science are a test for Malcolm Turnbull on innovation and called on the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene and reverse the cuts.
“Malcolm Turnbull risks being an innovation imposter if he allows the CSIRO to proceed with its cuts to climate science,” Greens Science & Research spokesperson Adam Bandt said.
“This is a test for Malcolm Turnbull. Will he intervene and save the jobs and world-leading research conducted by hundreds of CSIRO climate scientists, or will he go down in history as an innovation imposter whose actions don’t match his words?”
Mr Bandt also said that sources within the CSIRO have refuted the organisation’s official statement released yesterday.
“CSIRO employees have said there was no consultation with staff about these cuts and expressed disbelief that some of the CSIRO’s important projects, like the Cape Grim air pollution monitoring station and the RV Investigator, can continue to operate when the scientists behind them are set to lose their jobs.”
Greens Senator for Tasmania and spokesperson for Antarctic issues, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said “It’s time for the Tasmanian Liberals to stand up for the scientists employed right across the state whose future is at threat.”
“Time after time again the Antarctic and Climate sector is identified as of the brightest economic opportunities for Tasmania’s economy, yet no one from the Liberal Party in Tasmania is stepping in to support it.”
“We have heard from both the Australian Antarctic Division and the Bureau of Meteorology that the work carried out by the CSIRO researchers is critical to their operations.”
“Neither the Bureau of Meterology or the Australian Antarctic Division were consulted to provide input on what these cuts would mean for them.”
“Many collaborative scientific projects that have CSIRO as joint venture partners are facing an uncertain future. These collaborative climate projects - including with UTAS, IMAS and the ACE-CRC are our Tasmanian scientific community's future.”
“CSIRO management needs to immediately clarify the status of its contribution and commitment to these critical projects.”
Media contacts:
Adam Bandt – Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054
Peter Whish-Wilson – Tim Beshara, 0409 164 603