Federal Budget Decision Sparks Backlash Over Priorities The Australian government's 2026 federal budget has been met with criticism from researchers and experts, who claim that a significant cut to a commercialisation program is undermining the government's own priorities. The $760 million program, aimed at turning scientific discoveries into real-world products and services, has been axed in order to fund other science initiatives, including a $387.4 million boost to the struggling national science agency CSIRO. The decision has been likened to "robbing Peter to pay Paul," with some arguing that it will ultimately hinder the development of innovative technologies and industries. As the government continues to tout its commitment to science and innovation, the move has raised questions about the true intentions behind the budget allocations.
Researchers say budget decision to cut commercialisation program to fund the CSIRO and other science initiatives undermines the government’s own prioritiesExplore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverageGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government has been accused of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” over the budget axing of a $760m research commercialisation program in order to fund other science initiatives.The budget includes a $387.4m boost to “support the financial sustainability” of the beleaguered national science agency CSIRO, as well as $273m for the National Measurement Institute. Continue reading...
