The head of Australia's national science agency has refused to rule out further job losses, casting a shadow over the sector just weeks after announcing hundreds of positions would be axed.
Budget Trajectory Dictates Future of Workforce
Appearing before a Senate estimates hearing, CSIRO chief executive Dr Doug Hilton stated that whether the agency's workforce faces additional reductions hinges directly on its future budget. This comes after the organisation confirmed last month it would cut up to 350 roles in 2026.
Dr Hilton was questioned about whether a promised cash injection from the federal government would avert these losses. The Canberra Times revealed the Albanese government's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) will allocate more than $100 million in additional funding to the CSIRO.
However, the CEO drew a clear distinction, telling the committee: "The decision to review our science portfolio and the consequence to jobs is separate from our sustainability issue." He indicated that any extra funds would be directed towards critical infrastructure upgrades and IT systems, not necessarily saving jobs.
Ageing Infrastructure Demands Massive Investment
The agency faces a significant financial challenge to maintain its operations. Dr Hilton outlined that the CSIRO requires between $80 million and $135 million annually for the next ten years to modernise its ageing facilities and technology.
While the CSIRO receives roughly $1 billion in base government funding each year and generates its own revenue, this substantial infrastructure cost looms large. "We would look at all measures before we embark on job cuts," Dr Hilton assured the hearing, but stopped short of making any guarantees.
When pressed by ACT Independent Senator David Pocock on whether the MYEFO funding was factored into the decision to cut 350 jobs, Dr Hilton responded, "I'm not sure we have been officially notified of that position." CSIRO chief operating officer Tom Munyard added that the agency was still working with the government to understand the long-term budget impact.
"Under Siege": Researchers Voice Despair
Senator Pocock expressed deep concern that Australia's science and research sector is "under siege." He shared poignant messages from academics, including one who sarcastically suggested wearing high-visibility clothing to work "to have a real job," and another who described the job-cut selection process as "dehumanising."
The hearing also addressed the method used to identify roles for elimination. Dr Hilton defended the agency against claims it conducted a "hunger games" style review, where staff had to justify their work and propose cuts. "That is not how I would characterise the process," he stated, describing it instead as a collaborative effort involving hundreds of senior scientists.
Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres did not confirm the exact MYEFO funding figure during the hearing, saying an announcement would come "in due course." This follows Attorney-General Michelle Rowland's confirmation last week that additional funding had been approved through the MYEFO process.
The latest cuts add to a painful period for the CSIRO, with approximately 818 jobs lost over the past 18 months as part of a drive to save $120 million. The agency confirmed in November that about one-third of the upcoming 2026 cuts would come from its environmental research unit, with losses expected across all pay grades and levels of the organisation.
