AAD spends more than $20m on consultants, rumours five science staff resign

The Australian Antarctic Division spent over $20m on consultants in 2020, a senate inquiry has heard, while rumours that five science staff recently resigned from the division have been batted away.

RSV Nuyina moving through ice, arriving in Prydz Bay off Davis research station. Picture: Jamie Terry/AAD

The Australian Antarctic Division spent more than $20m of their budget on consultants in a single financial year but could not explain how, a senate inquiry heard.

AAD head Emma Campbell confirmed the division had spent $20,622,637 on consultants during 2020–21 on Thursday evening. Just $3,158,678 was spent in 2021–22.

Ms Campbell could not answer why the consultants were needed or give an individual cost breakdown and took the questions on notice.

Explorers will dig up million-year-old ice in the Antarctic for research purposes. Photograph shows Professor Nicole Webster, Chief Scientist AAD testing equipment with the drill that will be used. Picture Eddie Safarik

AAD chief scientist Professor Nicole Webster said she believes it’s a part of an infrastructure renewal program.

“I don’t have the detailed breakdown but I would suspect that that’s in the context of the Antarctic infrastructure renewal program, which looked at the renewal of all of the stations,” she said.

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said it was a remarkable spend.

“It’s not surprising the Division hasn’t had enough funds to support many important Antarctic science programs this summer,” he said.

“Incoming AAD head of division Emma Campbell recognised in an internal staff email earlier this year that the division had spent a great deal on consultancies and lawyers, and more of this work should be done in-house, the Department’s new efficiency dividend policy is also designed to change this.”

Peter Wish-Wilson, Green Senator, speaking at the Invasion Day Rally in Hobart. Picture: Mireille Merlet

It comes as the AAD has previously denied claims of budget cuts, science projects not being conducted on Davis and Mawson stations and bullying claims at a Senate hearing held in Hobart in October.

The AAD’s deputy secretary Sean Sullivan was unable to attend the hearing.

Senator Whish-Wilson said he had heard five AAD staff from the science branch had resigned from the division since the last hearing a month ago.

“I’m not aware of any scientists that have left in the past month since we held the inquiry,” Professor Webster said.

Ms Campbell confirmed she also wasn't aware of any departures in the last month.

“The timeframes are hard to keep track of, I can certainly think of a couple of scientists that have left in the last four months,” she said. “Again, senator, we will take the question on notice.”

Senator Whish-Wilson said they will be watching closely for any staff turnover, and whether the culture in the division is improving under new management.

The RSV Nuyina leaves the port of Burnie after refuelling, bound for Antarctica. Picture: Shayne Andrews

Meanwhile, Ms Campbell said she expects the RSV Nuyina will continue to refuel at Burnie throughout the summer season.

“I understand from Tasmanian officials that a feasibility study into alternative options is very close to being finalised and with the premier within days if not already with the premier,” she said.

“I expect fuel barges will be a feature but I have not seen the options.”

She said the AAD is working with TasPorts to find a permanent wharf for the Nuyina to berth where the icebreaker can safely be loaded with cargo.

Originally published as AAD spends more than $20m on consultants, rumours five science staff resign