Antarctic scientists will tomorrow provide evidence to a Senate inquiry hearing into the current mismanagement of funding of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).
The inquiry was initiated following the Albanese Government’s failure to set the record straight and address rising fears about what science programs will be axed as a result of a $25 million cut from the AAD.
Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, The Tasmanian Polar Network, Imas, CPSU and TasPorts will also provide evidence at tomorrow’s hearing, held in nipaluna/Hobart.
As stated by Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“News broke of the AAD’s $25 million cut over two months ago, and since then the Albanese Government has left the Division’s staff languishing in uncertainty.
“It’s time to put politics aside and get to the bottom of the AAD’s funding mismanagement.
“What needs to be thoroughly scrutinised is the impact a $25 million cut from the AAD will have on Australia’s Antarctic activities, including what science programs are expected to be axed and why.
“It’s shocking that we are not hearing more from the Australian Government on this matter given we claim 40% of Antarctica as Australian Territory.
“More than ever our planet depends on us understanding the Antarctic region, so we must appropriately fund the necessary science to study it.
“Hopefully the Senate can assist the Albanese Government to clear up this troubling situation, and make sure science programs are prioritised and fully funded as originally planned.”
* Public submissions to the inquiry and information about the hearing’s schedule, can be found here.
