$233 Million CSIRO Funding Boost
The Albanese Labor Government has provided $233 million in additional funding to the CSIRO to support research in critical areas including artificial intelligence, climate change adaptation, and critical minerals.
Environment
Term 1
The Albanese Labor Government has provided $233 million in additional funding to Australia's national science agency in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). The funding, announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers on 18 December 2024, aims to strengthen research and innovation in areas critical to Australia's future prosperity and security.
The additional funding over two financial years will enable the CSIRO to expand work in advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum sensing and robotics, critical minerals and supply chains, climate change adaptation and resilience, agricultural productivity, and biosecurity. Science Minister Tim Ayres stated that the CSIRO remains at the heart of national efforts to tackle the biggest challenges facing the country, from navigating global uncertainty to driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Despite the funding boost, the CSIRO will proceed with up to 350 job reductions announced in November 2024 to address budget pressures. A CSIRO spokesperson confirmed that the organisation must retain the savings from these workforce changes. The funding boost adds to the CSIRO's existing budget of almost $1 billion annually and follows a $45 million top-up provided in the March 2024 budget.
Key facts:
$233 million in additional funding over two financial years
Focus areas include AI, critical minerals, climate change adaptation, and biosecurity
Up to 350 positions will still be reduced despite the funding boost
Funding adds to the CSIRO's existing annual budget of almost $1 billion
For graphic: Headline: CSIRO Receives $233 Million Research Funding Boost
Summary: The Albanese Labor Government has provided $233 million in additional funding to Australia's national science agency to strengthen research in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, climate change adaptation, and biosecurity. The funding will support the CSIRO's work over the next two financial years.
$233 million over two financial years
Research priorities: AI, critical minerals, climate adaptation, biosecurity
Adds to existing $1 billion annual budget
Sources:
[2] https://www.smartcompany.com.au/economy/csiro-233-million-funding-boost-myefo-update/
[3] https://psnews.com.au/csiros-mid-year-budget-boost-not-enough-to-stop-mass-job-cuts/171385/
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