A Senate inquiry into funding issues at the Australian Antarctic Division releases its final report, which calls for Australia to consider a second resupply vessel to ensure the significant scientific capabilities of the nation's trouble-plagued icebreaker are not wasted.
An inquiry into funding issues at the Australian Antarctic Division has released its report, making critical findings about a "bewildering" budget overspend totalling more than $40 million.
The budget shortfall raised concerns within the scientific community that research projects and science jobs would be adversely impacted at a time of unprecedented change in the polar region. The $528 million RSV Nuyina won't make its first dedicated marine science voyage until early 2025, four years after it arrived in Australia.Two of the recommendations relate specifically to the $528 million RSV Nuyina, which the report described as a "microcosm of issues" affecting the AAD.
The committee recommended "as a matter of priority" the federal environment department develop a business case for the acquisition of a second vessel to support Australia's presence in Antarctica. Malfunctioning cranes have meant the Nuyina hasn't been able to fulfil one of its key roles — resupplying Australia's Antarctic stations.The inquiry's final report also made a scathing assessment of the handling of two key budget issues affecting the AAD and the federal environment department.
"Poor communication led to confusion and discontent amongst AAD staff, and created funding uncertainty for many scientists who were well progressed with established research projects, or were in the draft stages of new projects." Despite the criticisms, the report noted improvements in governance since the inquiry commenced, including "a significant change for the better in the leadership at the AAD".Publishing annual accountability metrics, such as the proportion of science funding within the AAD's operational budgetLaunching an independent review of the the AAD's operations and logistics branch
"The Antarctic ice sheet and the interaction of the ocean is a key part of the future projections of climate change," he said.
Australian Antarctic Division RSV Nuyina Senate Inquiry Professor Bindogg IMAS
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Antarctic Division listening in on critically endangered blue whales in Southern OceanScientists have undertaken seven voyages totalling more than 100,000 kilometres and eight months at sea to build the most up-to-date snapshot of Antarctic blue whale distribution.
Read more »
Australian Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina hit by technical issues and industrial actionTwo main cranes malfunctioned during the RSV Nuyina's recent resupply mission to Antarctica, adding to a growing list of problems plaguing the $528 million vessel.
Read more »
Matt Denny Sets New Australian Discus Record at Australian Athletics ChampionshipsMatt Denny sets a new national discus record at the Australian Athletics Championships, solidifying his chances of winning an Olympic medal.
Read more »
Australia should pass bill to ban non-prescription vapes, Senate committee findsRecommendation comes after two days of hearings and nearly 300 submissions from health, education, pharmaceutical and other sectors
Read more »
‘Overwhelming’ need for royal commission into Covid pandemic response in Australia, Senate committee findsCommittee says full-blown inquiry with investigative powers should take a particularly close look at lockdown, quarantine and vaccine policies
Read more »
Former Australian Idol judge Meghan Trainor reveals how time in Australia inspired son’s name7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »