Sydney Morning Herald – Nothing scientific about Premier’s job cuts
You quote Australian Museum staff commenting “a natural history museum without a palaeontologist is a joke” (“Funding cuts leave museum with a skeleton staff”, November 30-December 1).
There is nothing remotely funny about the widespread attack on scientists occurring under the O’Farrell government. Hundreds have been cut from the state public service in the past 12 months without any explanation.
Whether it’s the bio scientists and agronomists who look after our food security, the toxicologists who ensure workers are not being poisoned or the fossil scientists in the museum, large numbers are disappearing.
I have requested information from the government about the scientific roles being cut. Unfortunately, it is unavailable because responsibility for the cuts has been conveniently devolved to individual directors-general.
This means that the O’Farrell government is unable to provide a picture of what has been lost and the impact that will have on the people of NSW.
Anne Gardiner, General Secretary, Public Service Association NSW, Sydney
