Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will continue plans to cut up to 350 jobs despite securing an additional $387.4 million in federal government funding over four years, raising fresh concerns over workforce reductions across the country’s research sector, as reported by ABC.
The funding package, announced by the federal government, comes on top of a previous $278 million commitment and CSIRO’s annual funding allocation of nearly $1 billion. But the agency confirmed the additional investment will not reverse layoffs already announced last November, saying the cuts are necessary to support its long-term sustainability and strategic research priorities.
CSIRO said the funding would be directed toward medical research, pandemic preparedness and advanced technology development, including upgrades to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The organisation has already shed more than 800 positions over the past two years. Union representatives say the latest round of cuts could push total job losses to more than 1,150 roles, intensifying pressure on employees and leadership teams navigating widespread restructuring across the public and research sectors.
Doug Hilton, chief executive, CSIRO said, “The additional funding reflected the federal government’s confidence in Australian science and the agency’s role in tackling national challenges. We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing CSIRO’s sustainability over the long term and are grateful for the government’s significant investment to help us progress towards this goal.”
CSIRO described the workforce reductions as “essential strategic research shifts” needed to modernise operations and maintain financial sustainability.
Tim Ayres, Federal Science Minister said, “The investment would strengthen Australia’s scientific capabilities and future resilience. We are backing Australian science because Australian science is crucial for our health, welfare, future prosperity and resilience.”
The government said part of the funding would deliver an additional $38 million annually to strengthen pandemic readiness and biological hazard response capabilities.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) criticised the decision to continue layoffs despite the funding injection, arguing the cuts threaten CSIRO’s standing as a globally recognised research institution.
Beth Vincent-Pietsch, national president, CPSU said, “It’s very welcome news, however it’s going to be cold comfort for the 1,150 workers who’ve had their jobs slashed in recent times.” She added, “The union believed the latest funding package should prevent further cuts to jobs at the agency.”
The continued layoffs come as organisations across science, technology and public sectors face mounting pressure to balance operational costs with long-term innovation and workforce retention.
For HR leaders and executives, the CSIRO restructure underscores the growing challenge of managing sustainability goals while preserving institutional expertise and employee trust.