The Guardian 28 May, 2008
CSIRO budget cuts
The CSIRO Staff Association has expressed major concerns over a CSIRO plan to close two laboratories crucial to Australia’s food quality and security. As a result of federal budget cuts, CSIRO has announced the closure of the Merbein Laboratory near Mildura, and the JM Rendel Laboratory in Rockhampton.
The Merbein Laboratory provides direct horticultural research and support for the local fruit-growing industry. It is understood that around 50 staff will be directly affected by the closure.
The JM Rendel Laboratory provides support and research into beef quality and staff fear its closure will be a blow to the regional industry and international trade. Around 35 staff will be directly affected by the closure.
Staff Association President Dr Michael Borgas said: "CSIRO didn’t fare well in the budget. As well as a $40 million one-off reduction over four years, CSIRO faces a further reduction in funding of around $15 million a year because of the 2 percent extra efficiency dividend," said Dr Borgas. "If Australia is to meet the many challenges we face in relation to global warming, water and food security and quality, we should be boosting — not cutting — support for the CSIRO."
According to the Staff Association, the CSIRO leadership team has seriously mismanaged the situation by allowing the cuts to impact directly on the scientific work of the agency.
"It’s lazy, knee-jerk management. The current CSIRO leadership has overseen a number of large cost blowouts in major organisational programs in recent years. That’s where the cuts should be targeted, not in the laboratory,"
Examples of poor management decision-making at CSIRO include:
$84 million is committed to new aquaculture and other marine research labs at Boggo Road in Brisbane — many kilometres away from the ocean and large scale saltwater facilities. A more modest development at the existing site at Cleveland should be given full and proper consideration.
$34 million a year for the introduction of, an integrated IT business management system (SAP). Staff are seriously concerned that the new system will constrain operational innovation and become a drain on research funds. The cost/benefits of this system have not been disclosed to staff. The track record of SAP is not good for innovation and may actually impede productivity.
CSIRO has restructured its research into a highly complex matrix leaving people confused about their responsibilities. The new structure has narrowed functions, reduced flexibility and given scientific staff many additional bureaucratic duties.