ABBOTT GOVERNMENT STILL HOLDING TASMANIAN SCIENCE HOSTAGE

The Abbott Government’s latest back-down has only given Tasmanian scientists a 12 month reprieve.

“Christopher Pyne has choked on his extortionate threat to hold the jobs of 1,700 scientist’s hostage unless the Senate passed his unfair and unnecessary higher education changes,” said Tasmanian Senator Lisa Singh.

“However, the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) funding has been extended by just one year.

“Having already undermined Tasmania’s research and development framework by cutting funded science positions and significantly reducing the CSIRO’s budget, the Abbott Government is continuing to leave key parts of the system in limbo.

“Tony Abbott’s intimidation has put Tasmania’s world-leading Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) directly under the gun,” the Senator said.

Based at the University of Tasmania and one of the largest national research infrastructure capabilities currently supported under the NCRIS facility, IMOS has been awarded $130M of Australian Government funding over nine years (2006-15), with matching co-investment of $170M.

“Obviously, IMOS’ ongoing funding remains under threat,” said Senator Singh.

“The Abbott Government’s attacks on research and postgraduate education are undermining Tasmania’s status as a science island and a key centre for Australia’s Antarctic strategy,” the Senator said.
SENATOR THE HON LISA SINGH SHADOW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA