CSIRO cuts hurting Australia’s research capacity and talent: inquiry report

Australia’s tech and engineering academy has welcomed the release of the report of the Senate inquiry into funding and resourcing for CSIRO, saying it shows the urgent need for long-term certainty of funding for Australia’s flagship research agency. 

“The report highlights the significant impacts that the ongoing erosion of funding has had on the CSIRO’s capacity to support critical research and retain talent,” said ATSE CEO Professor Kylie Walker AM. 

“As the report notes, there are significant concerns that CSIRO’s funding in real terms hasn't kept pace with what is needed to run a modern and effective national science agency. 

“The cost of research is increasing – while CSIRO’s budget allocation has been dwindling in real terms. This isn’t the result of any single government – it's a pattern we’ve seen over many years. 

“Every dollar invested in CSIRO returns as much as eight times in benefits to the economy. CSIRO’s work advances and protects our critical industries, creates new economic sectors, builds our international reputation and super-charges Australian business – while advancing knowledge and training an exceptional and highly-regarded R&D workforce. 

ATSE supports the additional comments made by Senators Peter Whish-Wilson, Barbara Pocock and David Pocock, calling for increased long-term funding for the CSIRO.  

ATSE also supports the report’s calls for the implementation of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development’s recommendations, and stands ready to work with the Federal Government to support this important and vital work. 

ATSE Deputy CEO Peter Derbyshire and ACT Division Chair Dr Helen Cleugh FTSE appeared before the inquiry in March and ATSE’s evidence, along with that of the broader STEM sector, was quoted at length in the report. ATSE’s submission can be found here.