[Greens-Media] CSIRO suffers Tony Abbott's lack of respect for science and research

[Stahel, Peter (Sen C. Milne)]

CSIRO suffers Tony Abbott's lack of respect for science and research

Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson on science and research Adam Bandt MP said today's announcement that the CSIRO will retrench a further 75 researchers is another sign that Tony Abbott and the government does not respect science and research. 

"Tony Abbott has no respect for the role that science, research and innovation plays in building a strong economy and future for Australia," Mr Bandt said.

"In this year's budget, Tony Abbott and the government cut $111 million of funding from the CSIRO." 

"Within a few weeks of the government declaring advanced manufacturing a national priority, we're losing expertise because of budget cuts."

"Tony Abbott has cut investment in science, research and investment to a 30-year low and there are no signs that this will change any time soon."

"Instead, the government is putting the responsibility of finding funding for future breakthroughs onto the researchers themselves."

"This is not working. According to reports, the CSIRO has failed to find money from other sources to continue funding the important work of these experts."

"Unless the government reverses these cuts, we will continue to see the brain drain of world-leading scientists and researchers out of CSIRO and Australia to countries overseas."

"Tony Abbott must commit to increased funding for Australian science, research and innovation."