Greens Deputy Leader and science and research spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today called on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to lift investment in science and research in the upcoming Budget, starting by reversing the over $100 million in cuts to the CSIRO and offering a fair pay deal to CSIRO staff. Staff at the CSIRO have today began industrial action after negotiations over pay and conditions stalled.
“Tony Abbott’s last Budget was a killer for science and research,” Mr Bandt said.
“The Abbott government has taken Australia backwards by cutting spending on science and research to the lowest level since we started keeping records, and that includes taking the axe to the CSIRO.”
“The Greens support the scientists and researchers at the CSIRO who are taking industrial action today because they do work that is critical to Australia’s wellbeing, to our environment and to our economy.”
“If Tony Abbott can give our defence personnel a real pay rise without asking them to lose conditions, he can do the same for our scientists too.”
“Australia’s future prosperity will rely on science and research. Tony Abbott’s upcoming Budget needs to save science and respect research.”
“The government must reverse his funding cuts to the CSIRO, offer a fair pay deal to CSIRO staff and invest in a smarter and better Australia by increasing public funding going to science, research and innovation across the board.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054
