Update to the Australian Academy of Science Federal Budget response

Based on the information available, the Australian Academy of Science’s media release in response to the Federal Budget stated that there had been cuts of $21.5 million over the forward estimates to the CSIRO. This analysis was derived by comparing the 2019/20 budget with the previous year’s budget over the forward estimates period.

Further information provided subsequently has clarified that the budget was referring to a reduction in the CSIRO’s total expenses, not a reduction in Government funding to CSIRO. The Academy understands that the Government’s investment in CSIRO across this period remains consistent with previous levels, increasing by over $6 million in line with indexation.