Helen Burnet: The Federal Government’s Budget cuts

This evening my motion was considered at last by full council and fully supported regarding the federal government’s budget cuts on the Tasmanian science community, especially relating to climate science.

The federal government budget cuts will be significant and will not only reduce the capacity of providing the body of knowledge, but jeopardises Hobart’s role as Gateway to the Antarctic.

Any diminution in this standing will also have impact on the UTAS scientific community, and could easily reduce the critical mass of research and development in the area of climate change and ocean studies, the institutions IMAS, UTAS and AAD included.

The economic consequences are stark, and it is very pleasing to think that the Hobart aldermen are willing to support my motion and be heard as leaders of our community in relation to this important part of our community and economy.

I would also like to acknowledge the support of people including former CSIRO scientists Dr Trevor McDougall and Dr Stuart Godfrey as well as those CSIRO scientists who could not speak out.

Senator Eric Abetz as Employment Minister will have a delegation from Council, and there will be opportunity for other MP’s to be approached.

I have attached a copy of the background report.

Download:

280714_Open_SGC_Agenda.pdf
Greens Alderman Helen Burnet