Senator Kate Lundy today attacked the Government’s decision to outsource the information technology requirements of CSIRO and other science agencies.
“This idiotic decision will damage the agencies and degrade Australia’s standing as a knowledge nation,” Senator Lundy said.
“The scientific community is rightly concerned that the Government’s failed IT Outsourcing Program will cause irreparable damage to CSIRO and other science agencies at the cutting edge of information technologies.
“CSIRO officers have pointed out that outsourcing their IT will remove support from their IT specialists, whose unique blend of skills, knowledge and expertise have positioned the CSIRO at the vanguard of computing for many decades.
“Science agencies like CSIRO are noted for their high level of multi-skilling, with many experts proficient in a number of disciplines, such as electronics, engineering, physics, chemistry and statistics.
“Minister Fahey should immediately exclude the science agencies from the IT Outsourcing Program. Better still, the whole Program should cease, given the damage to local industry and the lack of savings and efficiencies to agencies and departments.”
A rally will be held outside Parliament House at 12.45 today….
to protest against the Coalition’s Group 9 IT outsourcing contract, which involves contracting out the IT functions of the CSIRO, the Australian Antarctic Division, the Australian Geographical Survey Organisation, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australian nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-6277 3334 or 0418 488295
