[Greens-Media] FW: MEDIA RELEASE: ANTARCTIC FUNDING GOOD FIRST STEP BUT DOESN’T GO FAR ENOUGH

[Klug, Georgie (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 13 May 2013

       
ANTARCTIC FUNDING GOOD FIRST STEP BUT DOESN’T GO FAR ENOUGH

The Australian Greens have welcomed Labor’s $25 million boost in research and development funding for the Antarctic, but warn that Hobart’s role as a science hub still remains uncertain. 

Tomorrow’s budget is expected to include $25 million over the next five years for the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Collaborative Research Centre. While an additional $8 million will start the process of providing a new national ice-breaker to replace the ageing supply ship Aurora Australis.

Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne said the challenges of researching the planet’s most remote and inaccessible areas deserved more certainty than a pre-budget leak.
 
“I am pleased the Gillard Government has finally made a commitment to support Antarctic scientists, but it is still not enough,” Senator Milne said.
 
“I am concerned the funding for Antarctic and marine research may only keep the doors open, but won’t be enough to get the work done.

"The funding announcement falls well short of what is required to fund an International Antarctic Science centre in Hobart, deploy equipment to monitor the Southern Ocean, and maintain Australia’s management of our vast Antarctic Territory.
 
“There is also uncertainty about potential cuts to the Australian Antarctic Division and CSIRO that will limit the work of the research centre in the long run.

"I will be monitoring the budget closely tomorrow night to make sure Labor does not cut funding for these important programs.”
  
In March this year, Senator Christine Milne and Greens candidate for Denison, Anna Reynolds launched the Greens’ $205 million policy initiative for Antarctic and marine science. It remains the only fully-costed plan on the table to properly resource Australia’s Antarctic and Marine Science sector.  

Greens Candidate Anna Reynolds said: "The Greens are the only party that have an ambitious long-term plan on the table that will see Hobart continue to grow as a global science hub."
 
The Australian Greens propose to: 
 
•    Fund an International Antarctic Science research centre/ joint venture - $10 million a year
 
•    Restore funding for the Australian Antarctic Division - $0.5 million a year
 
•    Ensure ongoing funding for the Integrated Marine Observing System - $18 million a year
 
•    Provide capacity for the new RV Investigator ship to do up to 300 days marine research (instead of 65) - $24.7 million a year
 
Media Contact: Georgie Klug 0438 376 082