Fatima Payman (WA, Australia's Voice) Share this | Hansard source

This government does not understand the value of science and is trashing Australia's international reputation as a result. The CSIRO is cutting another 350 jobs, following the more than 800 jobs that have been cut since Labor came to power. Between 130 and 150 of the roles that are slated to go in the latest cull come from the environment unit. This is Labor, the defender of the environment!

What is happening to the CSIRO is not an isolated incident. It is one of the many fronts on which this government is waging total war on the Australian scientific community. At ANSTO, world-leading instruments are being turned off and highly skilled professionals are being let go. There are huge reservations about the cuts in ANSTO's lower ranks, but they're too afraid to speak out. They're worried that, if they voice opposition to these cuts, they'll be sacked and have their sacking framed as part of the job cuts.

The Prime Minister talks about being a 'friend of science'. On the issue, as on many others, the government pretends to greatness but is just as bad as the Libs. In fact, they're worse. This government has sacked more scientists than Tony Abbott. If that's what a friend of science looks like, I'd hate to see what an acquaintance of science looks like, let alone an enemy! Wifi, polymer currency, Aerogard—we've led the world in the past. What is the aspiring scientist growing up in Australia today meant to make of all this? I'll be seeking more information at estimates next week because, when it comes to science, there are those who pay lip service to Australia's proud record of scientific discovery and those who work to defend it.