Hundreds rally to protest proposed revamp of iconic South Australian Museum

The proposed SA Museum restructure has seen hundreds rally on the steps on Parliament House.

Almost 500 people gathered on the steps of Parliament House to protest proposed changes to the SA Museum that could lose five million items as part of a restructure.

The science and research community is in uproar over the SA government’s restructure that will lead to the loss of 27 research and collective positions to be replaced by 22 lower level employment roles.

The rally to ‘Keep Science Alive at the SA Museum’ on Saturday brought supporters together, including former museum curator Catherine Kemper, who said if the proposed recommendation were implemented there would be a major loss of knowledge.

Rally to save the SA Museum from funding cuts at the Adelaide Parliament House. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Former museum curator of mammals Dr Catherine Kemper

“Behind the doors are collections of specimens for study and also for display; if the museum goes ahead with this proposed restructure there won’t be enough people to actually monitor, look after, and learn these specimens,” Dr Kemper said.

She estimated “about five million” items were under threat.

Meanwhile, SA’s Public Service Association general secretary Natasha Brown expressed her concern over what the proposed changes might do to the international status of the SA Museum.

“Our members in research and collection positions are highly regarded and experienced professionals who have made incredible contributions to South Australia and the wider scientific world,” she said.

“But unfortunately, for them, being reimagined means their life’s work is being dismissed.”

Other speakers included Uncle Moogy Sumner and Mark Koolmatrie – both Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna Elders – as well as prominent individuals like Isabelle Onley, Jane Lomax-Smith, John Gardner and Tammy Franks.

SA Liberal Party Leader David Speirs at a press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

Arts minister Andrea Michaels has said there is “misinformation causing concern” around the SA Museum changes. Picture: Supplied.

Opposition leader David Speirs attended the rally and said they didn’t “want major changes to the museum that will impact the scientific research of the museum”.

“Under the government’s major cuts ... we’re seeing the museum gutted in terms of how it currently operates.

“We need to protect what we’ve got.”

However, Arts Minister Andrea Michaels has said there was “misinformation causing concern” around the SA Museum changes.

“There are no recently announced budget cuts to the SA Museum resulting in the removal of 27 research roles, nor in fact have 27 roles been removed,” she said.

“There are also no plans to close the Egyptian room or the mammals exhibition. The museum’s repatriation program will continue.

“There is currently an industrial consultation process underway.”

Prominent Australian scientists have penned an open letter to Premier Peter Malinauskas demanding the proposed reforms be stopped immediately and the government commit at least $10m in annual funding for the collections and research work.

A total of 474 eminent persons have signed the letter since its publication on Wednesday.