Scientific research has become a victim of the Government's short-sighted Budget, with the axe set to fall on several CSIRO facilities and programs.
CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones slammed the move as "short sighted" and questioned the impact of the cuts on the nation's research capacity.
"At a time when our country faces daunting challenges when it comes to climate change, water security, food production and maintaining bio-diversity; most Australian's would support more - not less - funding to the CSIRO."
Citing budget cuts of more than $60 million over the next four years, CSIRO management have foreshadowed the loss up to 100 positions from across the organisation.
Management also announced the closure of several important laboratories servicing the agricultural sector.
The Merbein Laboratory near Mildura plays a crucial role supporting the Riverina's fruit growers. It is understood that around 50 staff will be directly affected by the closure.
Anne Mansell, President of Sunraysia Citrus Grower, said local growers were "deeply disappointed" that the area would lose its high-profile laboratory.
Meanwhile in Rockhampton regional cattle industry is up in arms at the closure of the JM Rendel Laboratory, with around 35 staff directly affected. .
Local beef industry spokesperson Keith McLaughlin, say the closure"an absolute disaster" for the local industry and international export industry.
"The CSIRO in Rockhampton has been the lifeblood of industry research and development... I have very seldom seen a government decision that could lead to such an incredible lack of good outcomes," he said.
Citrus growers vow to fight CSIRO lab closure: Full article from The Age here.
Beef industry shocked at CSIRO closure: Read a report from the ABC here.
CSIRO to slash jobs and research: More from The Age here.
More information: Visit the Public Service Pressure campaign page.
I work in the Taxation Office in Orange NSW and I know how tough it can be to hold on to jobs in non-capital city areas. Your employer probably set up in Bendigo because they know that in regional areas they will have a stable workforce but it seems that is now not good enough for them, they want to take your jobs off-shore.
No one in Australia would have a problem with jobs going to regional areas but when employers start sending the jobs off-shore that is not acceptable.
Posted by:Geoff - 29 May 2008, 11:11am
The Government should direct more of its budget surplus into building infrastructure, and planning for a future with less fossil fuels. Tax cuts are nice, but I would happily forgo my tax cut if I could be confident that the funds were to be directed to funding more CSIRO research into viable alternative 'green' fuel sources. The Government could also build dams on the northern rivers of NSW and pump water over the Great Dividing Range into the catchments of the rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin, such as the Barwon, Gwydir and Namoi Rivers.
Similarly, if the American Government spent as much on developing nuclear fusion (without the waste problems of nuclear fission) as they did on trying to develop a hydrogen bomb for military purposes, perhaps we would not be so reliant on fossil fuels.
I can't understand why diesel should be more expensive than petrol, given that it is cheaper to manufacture. Surely the excise on diesel could be cut to encourage more use of that more efficent fuel.
Posted by:jacquie - 29 May 2008, 11:07am
...'disappointed' is an understatement
that this government could take such dismissive and destructive attitude & actions towards one of the most critical link organistaions in the development chain indicates utter ignorance of what science is best used for, & smacks of dirty dealings..
is there a clause in an FTA somewhere that's been missed ??
why are government ministers so petrified of the tertiary education & research & development sector being - heavens- well government-funded to provide unbiased, quality research & information to support the basis of australian primary industry & exports ??
oooh, maybe thats it?
and what paltry percentage of expenditure is being 'saved' from CSIRO, only to be re-directed to something more important-like pumping up defence & security -
shame on this government for letting down the future generations by not supporting water, food & energy research alternatives now when this is already critical
I work in the Taxation Office in Orange NSW and I know how tough it can be to hold on to jobs in non-capital city areas. Your employer probably set up in Bendigo because they know that in regional areas they will have a stable workforce but it seems that is now not good enough for them, they want to take your jobs off-shore.
No one in Australia would have a problem with jobs going to regional areas but when employers start sending the jobs off-shore that is not acceptable.
The Government should direct more of its budget surplus into building infrastructure, and planning for a future with less fossil fuels. Tax cuts are nice, but I would happily forgo my tax cut if I could be confident that the funds were to be directed to funding more CSIRO research into viable alternative 'green' fuel sources. The Government could also build dams on the northern rivers of NSW and pump water over the Great Dividing Range into the catchments of the rivers in the Murray-Darling Basin, such as the Barwon, Gwydir and Namoi Rivers.
Similarly, if the American Government spent as much on developing nuclear fusion (without the waste problems of nuclear fission) as they did on trying to develop a hydrogen bomb for military purposes, perhaps we would not be so reliant on fossil fuels.
I can't understand why diesel should be more expensive than petrol, given that it is cheaper to manufacture. Surely the excise on diesel could be cut to encourage more use of that more efficent fuel.
...'disappointed' is an understatement
that this government could take such dismissive and destructive attitude & actions towards one of the most critical link organistaions in the development chain indicates utter ignorance of what science is best used for, & smacks of dirty dealings..
is there a clause in an FTA somewhere that's been missed ??
why are government ministers so petrified of the tertiary education & research & development sector being - heavens- well government-funded to provide unbiased, quality research & information to support the basis of australian primary industry & exports ??
oooh, maybe thats it?
and what paltry percentage of expenditure is being 'saved' from CSIRO, only to be re-directed to something more important-like pumping up defence & security -
shame on this government for letting down the future generations by not supporting water, food & energy research alternatives now when this is already critical