CSIRO Section Council gathered in Hobart last week for their first meeting of 2015. Council had extensive discussions about the state of CSIRO funding, job cuts and bargaining negotiations. There was strong agreement that our bargaining campaign needed to escalate and move toward a Protected Action Ballot.
Other issues discussed included CSIRO jobs, the future of science funding and the upcoming CSIRO 2015-25 strategic plan.
Special guests included Labor MP for Franklin Julie Collins and Greens Senator for Tasmania Peter Whish-Wilson. The highlight was a presentation and tour of Investigator, Australia’s new $120 million research vessel.
Investigator can carry up to 40 scientists 10,000 nautical miles or sixty days at sea in a single voyage, measures 94 meters from bow to stern and towers 36 meters high above the waterline.
Thanks to Marine National Facility Director Ron Plaschke, Julie Collins and Peter Whish-Wilson for their insightful and thought-provoking presentations. And a special mention to the members and staff of Battery Point for their warm welcome and hospitality.
A full report from Council will be included in next month’s edition of Pulse.
