Member Login - Account - Logout

Science and Technology Australia
  • Home
  • About STA
    • Who is STA?
    • Our history
    • Alliances and Partnerships
    • Board and Executive
    • Governance
    • Work for us
    • Reconciliation Action Plan
    • Policy Vision
    • Policy Wins
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Reports and publications
  • Our Programs
    • Science Meets Parliament
    • Parliamentary Friends of Science
    • Superstars of STEM
    • Science Policy Fellows Alumni
    • Super STEM communicator workshop
    • STEM Ambassadors
  • Events
    • Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • Membership
    • Our Members
    • Why be a member?
    • Member Benefits Program
    • Join STA
    • Member How-to Guides
    • Login to member portal
    • Register for member portal
  • Contact
    • Media
  • Home
  • About STA
    • Who is STA?
    • Our history
    • Alliances and Partnerships
    • Board and Executive
    • Governance
    • Work for us
    • Reconciliation Action Plan
    • Policy Vision
    • Policy Wins
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Reports and publications
  • Our Programs
    • Science Meets Parliament
    • Parliamentary Friends of Science
    • Superstars of STEM
    • Science Policy Fellows Alumni
    • Super STEM communicator workshop
    • STEM Ambassadors
  • Events
    • Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • Membership
    • Our Members
    • Why be a member?
    • Member Benefits Program
    • Join STA
    • Member How-to Guides
    • Login to member portal
    • Register for member portal
  • Contact
    • Media
29 April 2016

CSIRO must do more to limit damage

CSIRO Research Vessel Investigator

Statement from STA CEO, Catriona Jackson

As the peak representative group for scientists working across all disciplines and at all levels, we are concerned that the proposed changes at CSIRO have the potential to damage Australia’s international reputation as a good scientific citizen.

Scientists across the nation are worried that the ongoing controversy over the changes is affecting the nation’s faith in CSIRO, as well as Australia’s capacity to conduct critical scientific work across a range of critical areas.

CSIRO occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of Australians. Australians from all walks of life believe what CSIRO says, whether it be about how to eat better and live longer, or about how our climate is changing and what to do about it. That kind of trust is a very valuable and delicate thing, especially in times of very rapid change.

We welcome the news in recent days some changes have been made to the February announcement in response to feedback, namely a centre for climate modelling. We also applaud the establishment of a scientific committee to advise Government and inform the future direction of Australia’s climate science capability and research priorities. We await further information from Environment Minister Greg Hunt on the makeup and exact role of the Committee.

But these changes do not go far enough to allay the fears of the science community. Many questions remain unanswered and many positions, across a range of critical research areas, are still in jeopardy.

We understand the intense budget pressure facing CSIRO after the 2014 $114 million Federal Budget cut. We also appreciate the intent of CSIRO to focus on science and its translation. Never-the-less we urge CSIRO management to further reconsider plan announced in February and ensure critical scientific work and research continues.

STA is the peak group for the nation’s 68,000 scientists and those working in technology. STA’s mission is to bring together scientists, governments, industry and the broader community to advance the role, reputation and impact of science and technology in Australia.

Share
budget climate science csiro environment funding jobs research science cuts science jobs scientists technology cuts technology jobs
Previous StoryScience meets Parliament – 2016 Wrap Up
Next StoryFrom the Federal Budget lockup

Related Articles

  • How Australia can generate a $52billion windfall from science
    How Australia can generate a $52 billion windfall from science
  • chemist-g901273cf4_1920
    Research commercialisation fund could be a game-changer

ABOUT US

Science & Technology Australia (STA) is Australia’s peak body in science and technology. We represent more than 105,000 scientists and technologists. STA is an influential voice for evidence and expertise in public policy.

Recent news

  • Campus Plus, Science & Technology Australia and Cruxes Innovation to deliver industry PhD program
  • Meet the Mastermind Behind mRNA at Science Meets Parliament
  • MPs and Senators hear how batteries could power Australia’s economic future

Our members

  • All Members
  • Agricultural and Food Sciences
  • Aquatic Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • General Science and Technology
  • Geographical and Geological Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Medical and Cognitive Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Plant and Ecological Sciences
  • Technological Sciences

Search for news

Most popular

  • Campus Plus, Science & Technology Australia and Cruxes Innovation to deliver industry PhD program
  • Meet Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM
  • Meet the Mastermind Behind mRNA at Science Meets Parliament
  • Commercialisation connector & research rockstar to lead STA
  • MPs and Senators hear how batteries could power Australia’s economic future

Sign up to our newsletter

STA PRIVACY POLICY

OTHER STA POLICIES

Twitter feed

  • Membership and events star? 💫 We have an incredible opportunity for you! Come work with the nation’s peak body for… https://t.co/Fmyke3styo
  • RT @DIP_SouthAust: A fantastic opportunity for engagement between the #STEM sectors and policymakers! Register before 27 January for Early…
  • RT @OzCvA: Early bird registration for the 2023 @ScienceAU Science Meets Parliament. Special rate until Fri 27 Jan 👇👇
  • RT @DSI_VIC: Expertise in #biotech, health, #genomics, #bioinformatics, synthetic biol, advanced manufacturing, ag, #biosecurity? Don't mis…
Follow us
The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) trading as Science & Technology Australia (STA) is an association incorporated under the ACT Associations Act.

ABN 71 626 822 845
Registered charity logo
Click here for more info
  • HOME
  • News and media releases
  • Become a member
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2022 Science & Technology Australia. All Rights Reserved