CSIRO to persist with cutting up to 350 jobs despite extra $387.4 million in federal funding

Australia’s national science agency CSIRO will continue cutting up to 350 jobs despite the federal government’s announcement of an extra $387.4 million in funding over four years. The agency stated the job reductions, first announced in November 2024, are necessary for long-term sustainability, even as the funding—on top of the existing $1 billion annual allocation and an additional $278 million from last year—will support medical research, pandemic preparedness, and advanced technology projects. CSIRO Chief Executive Doug Hilton called the funding a ‘vote of confidence’ in science but emphasized the agency’s commitment to strategic shifts, including a reduction of over 300 full-time roles. The agency has already cut more than 800 positions in the past two years, with Hilton framing the changes as essential for addressing future challenges. Federal Science Minister Tim Ayres highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening CSIRO’s role in health, agriculture, and national resilience. The funding includes $38 million annually for upgrades to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, ensuring preparedness for future pandemics and biological hazards. Ayres described the investment as critical for Australia’s prosperity and security. The CSIRO Staff Association, part of the Community and Public Sector Union, criticized the funding as ‘cold comfort’ amid job losses, noting 1,150 roles have been affected in recent years. The union’s concerns contrast with the government’s assurance that the funding will secure CSIRO’s future, though the agency maintains its restructuring remains necessary for long-term stability.