Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet has today slammed the Federal Budget’s cuts to science, claiming their effect on Hobart “Cannot be overstated.”
Alderman Burnet praised the work of Hobart-based scientific bodies CSIRO, the Australian Antarctic Division and IMAS, all of which face substantial cuts due to the Federal Budget.
“The research work that comes out of these bodies brings international prestige to Hobart. Hobart has the highest number of scientists per capita and its reputation as a scientific hub should be nurtured.”
Burnet cites Hobart City Council’s role in fostering Hobart’s scientific standing. “The Council has worked hard with various organisations to establish the Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway, which has strengthened Hobart’s reputation as a centre for Antarctic studies. Along with the Australian Antarctic operations based in Hobart, the French Polar Institute has called Hobart its base for many years and more recently, China have been interested in using this as their staging post for Antarctic operations too.”
“Antarctic Studies, climatology and marine sciences are all expected to become increasingly rich fields in the coming decades. While the State and Federal Governments are busy pumping money into mining and logging, what they should be doing is recognising Tasmania’s science sector as a true growth industry.”
“Instead they are slashing funding. CSIRO will be forced to axe 18 full-time jobs within weeks, with more to come in the near future. The CSIRO scientists I have spoken with are understandably shaken by the cuts.”
Burnet claims these cuts will have drastic and widespread consequences for Hobart’s economy. “Fewer science students will be attracted to Hobart as a place to study, and if jobs disappear those currently studying will have less opportunity or desire to stay in Hobart once they have graduated.”
“If these cuts continue it will mean a significant reduction in spending at local shops and restaurants, which will also be felt by the business sector.” Burnet is keen to point out that the implications will be social as well as economic. “Scientists are active participants in local sport, music and arts scenes. Reducing their number won’t just hinder the sciences; it will hurt our community.”
At next Tuesday’s Strategic Governance Committee meeting of Council, Burnet will be moving a motion to call an urgent delegation to meet with the Board of CSIRO and its director Mr Simon McKeon, and the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister of Employment, Senator Eric Abetz, to raise concerns associated with the intended axing of jobs and resulting implications on the City of Hobart.
“We need to act on this now.”
MEANWHILE,
