Today, the government agency unveiled new measures, highlighting the need to allocate up to $135 million annually over the next decade to ensure ongoing sustainability.

In an official statement, the CSIRO acknowledged facing significant “long-term financial sustainability challenges,” as current funding levels fail to match the increasing expenses associated with operating a modern scientific institution.

“Following years of maximizing resources to uphold the breadth of its programs and maintain its workforce size, CSIRO finds itself at a crucial turning point,” the agency stated.

To address these challenges, the agency announced job reductions aimed at honing its research efforts. The CSIRO plans to concentrate on key areas such as energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.

This strategic shift follows an 18-month review period. CSIRO’s CEO, Dr. Doug Hilton, emphasized that although the decision was tough, it is vital for the agency’s ability to continue serving Australia effectively.

“These are difficult but necessary changes to safeguard our national science agency so we can continue solving the challenges that matter to Australia and Australians,” Hilton said.

“We must set up CSIRO for the decades ahead with a sharpened research focus that capitalises on our unique strengths, allows us to concentrate on the profound challenges we face as a nation and deliver solutions at scale.”

Minister for Science Tim Ayres said the focused research direction would help the agency become more efficient and effective and achieving its goals.

“Reform is essential to make sure the facilities, research priorities, and technologies of yesterday meet the needs of tomorrow,” he said.

“This, however, does not mean the decision of the independent CSIRO Board and management to reduce staff roles is easy, and I know this news will be difficult for CSIRO staff.”

The job cuts have been slammed by staff some staff at the agency.

“This is a very sad day for publicly funded science in this country, and the Albanese Government is just sitting back and watching it happen,” CSIRO Staff Association Section Secretary Susan Tonks said.

“These are some the worst cuts the CSIRO has ever seen, and they’re coming at a time when we should be investing in and building up public science.

The Greens have also called on the Albanese government to commit funding to the CSIRO to avoid the job cuts.

“At a time when it has never been more important for governments to invest in science and research, it is shameful that our nation’s premier science and research organisation is cutting hundreds of jobs to make ends meet,” Greens Senator and spokesperson for Science Peter Whish-Wilson said.