May 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 654

 

$387 million boost for the CSIRO - 300+ Jobs still to go

CSIRO Black Mountain Laboratories, Canberra, 2020. Photo: Tinytornado007

On Saturday May 9 2026, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, announced the Government will invest an additional $387.4 million into CSIRO over the next four years to ensure its scientists continue delivering ground-breaking research aligned with Australia’s national science priorities and in the national interest.

'The funding announced is in addition to the $278 million announced through 2025, and on top of CSIRO’s existing near $1 billion annual funding allocation.' the government stated

'This investment into Australia’s national science agency will ensure the CSIRO can meet the longer-term costs of operating critical science and research infrastructure, and at the same time, maintain greater workforce stability to deliver the research and technological breakthroughs Australian industries rely on.

The Government will also fund the crucial work of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness by supporting Stage 2 of the Geelong facility’s modernisation and refurbishment.

The facility will receive a further $38 million, ongoing from 2030-31, to continue safeguarding Australia’s agricultural industries against biosecurity threats.

These investments support the CSIRO to drive innovation and further sharpen its research focus to the areas that matter most to Australians and Australia’s industries.

This investment and reform is essential to make sure the facilities, research priorities and technologies of today meet the needs of tomorrow.'

Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:

“Publicly funded science is absolutely critical to the national interest and to solving some of Australia’s biggest challenges.

“I am incredibly focused on backing CSIRO to strengthen the role it plays in making life better for all Australians.

“Only a Labor Government can deliver for CSIRO – by providing immediate and ongoing funding to ensure they continue to conduct ground-breaking science and research in the national interest.”

Minister for the Public Service Katy Gallagher said:

“CSIRO does work that matters to Australians every day, from supporting our industries to helping keep our communities safe.”

“This investment gives CSIRO the stability it needs to keep delivering that work, and to plan for the future with confidence.”

Jobs Still being Cut

The CSIRO welcomed the Government’s commitment of an additional $387.4 million over four financial years, announced in a pre-budget update.

'The funding increase will support investment in safe and fit-for-purpose sites, as well as the research equipment, infrastructure, cyber protection and technology that will best enable CSIRO’s talented researchers to make discoveries and turn them into real-world impact.' CSIRO said in an issued statement

''With the substantial public funding entrusted to CSIRO comes a clear responsibility to deliver maximum value to the nation. While this additional funding provides greater certainty and workforce stability over the funding period, CSIRO will always be prepared to make the necessary strategic shifts to capability to ensure it delivers the greatest possible impact for Australia.

The changes to CSIRO’s research portfolio announced last November and already well underway – which include an estimated reduction of 300-350 FTE roles – will proceed as planned, as these are essential strategic research shifts. CSIRO must retain the savings that will come from these changes, to support the long-term sustainability of the organisation.''

CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Doug Hilton, said:

“This budget outcome highlights the importance of research and the confidence the community and government have in CSIRO’s ability to deliver science for the nation during a period of global precarity.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing CSIRO’s sustainability over the long term and are grateful for the Government’s significant investment to help us progress towards this goal.”

The CSIRO Staff Association, part of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), said 1,150 jobs have been cut in the last two years; 850 in February 2024, and a further 350 announced in November 2025.

CPSU national president Beth Vincent-Pietsch said the union believed the additional funding had been needed for a long time.

"It's very welcome news, however it's going to be cold comfort for the 1,150 workers who've had their jobs slashed in recent times," Ms Vincent-Pietsch said.

"Cuts to CSIRO funding have been an issue that CPSU has been raising for many years, and we know that the small boosts that the government has given along the way haven't been enough to stem the loss of jobs."

Ms Vincent-Pietsch said after last funding injection of $233 million the agency advised it would not save a single job at CSIRO.

"Now that we've seen $387 million coming through it's got to mean that there are no more job cuts to the CSIRO,"  Ms Vincent-Pietsch said.