I share the RACI's concern about the loss of a further 350 jobs from the CSIRO. However, in a search of media outlets reporting these losses, I have been unable to find a detailed breakdown according to which projects have been affected and the professional disciplines of those to be retrenched, although an Australian Greens media release alleges that CSIRO's Environment Research unit will bear the brunt of the job losses by sacking 150 of its staff. I feel as much for the staff affected by these cuts as I do for the projects affected. However, I am an optimist at heart, and I hope that all can find well-paying and rewarding jobs rapidly. I'm also hoping to learn that at least some of those who have been retrenched seize the opportunity to start up companies exploiting their own undoubted considerable skills and imagination. This would be indeed good news.
Those of us who work or who have worked in the private sector know that there is no such thing as permanent employment. An open mind and flexibility are critical elements in job finding success. I note that scientific recruiter (and Board Member) Keelie Munroe has asserted in this forum recently that chemists are in high demand in industry.
As an aside, may I suggest that future important press releases from the RACI bear the signature of our president. Status is everything when it is desired to catch the eye of editorial staff. The "Letters" sections of our newspapers is also an excellent way to catch the attention of readers, as research has shown that this page is frequently the first "go to" page each day.
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Tom Smith
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Original Message:
Sent: 20-11-2025 13:50
From: Daniel Turner
Subject: MEDIA RELEASE: RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science
Hear, hear!
Original Message:
Sent: 19-11-2025 17:06
From: Jenny Pham
Subject: MEDIA RELEASE: RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science
MEDIA RELEASE
RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is deeply concerned about the announcement that the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will cut up to 350 research positions across the country. This decision, described by CSIRO as necessary for "long-term sustainability," comes at a time when Australia urgently needs to strengthen, not diminish its scientific capability to address national and global challenges. While strategic prioritisation is important, the scale of these redundancies on top of several hundred positions lost in previous years represents a blow to Australia's scientific endeavours.
RACI CEO, Mr. Shenal Basnayake said:
This is a very sad outcome for Australian science. CSIRO is the backbone of our national research capability, and these cuts will have long-term consequences for innovation, industry competitiveness, and our ability to respond to climate, energy, food security, advanced manufacturing, and other challenges. Publicly funded science is not a cost; it is an investment in Australia's future
Reducing research capability undermines national resilience and global competitiveness. These cuts risk slowing progress in areas where chemistry and interdisciplinary science are critical including clean energy technologies, sustainable materials, and biosecurity solutions.
RACI stands ready to work with CSIRO, government, and industry partners to safeguard Australia's scientific future.
Access the PDF version of this Media Release here: MEDIA RELEASE: RACI Expresses Deep Concern Over CSIRO Job Cuts and Their Impact on Australian Science
Media Contact:
Mr. Shenal Basnayake
CEO
E: info@raci.org.au
T: 03 9328 2033
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Jenny Pham
Marketing Officer
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Email: communications@raci.org.au
Phone: (03) 9328 2033
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