Australian Antarctic Program secures $200m funding boost for science and jobs
Australia’s Antarctic research capabilities face a major expansion as the government commits $208.8m over seven years to boost climate science understanding.
The federal government will boost the Australian Antarctic Program by $200m over seven years.
New funding of $208.8m over seven years from 2025-26 will secure critical shipping and aviation capabilities and continue supporting marine science.
The funding, which will mean up to 30 more jobs at the Antarctic Division headquarters in Kingston, will be included in the mid-year budget update next week.
News of the funding increase was previewed in a joint announcement issued by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Environment Minister Murray Watt, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, and Senator Richard Dowling.
“This is about more jobs and investment in Tasmania and more funding for our scientists and our experts,” the statement said.
It’s a big investment that backs Tasmania, backs our scientists, backs our environment, and our economy.
The additional funding includes money for more voyages by RSV Nuyina, to deepen understanding of Antarctica, the impacts of climate change on the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica’s role in the global climate system.
And it will fund up to 30 new technical and scientific jobs at the Antarctic Division to support and deliver the additional marine science voyages and well as adding to aviation capability by providing medical evacuation and search and rescue support.
“Whether it’s more scientists, more funding for sea voyages, or more funding for aviation, we’re investing in the Antarctic Program in the interests of all Australians,” the joint statement said.
“Better understanding Antarctica means better understanding climate change and its impacts on our economy and our communities, and that’s what this investment is all about.”
Member for Franklin Julie Collins welcomed the new funding.
“This is a huge win for Tasmania and something I’ve been fighting hard for on behalf of our community.
“Our state plays a vital role in Australia’s Antarctic program, and this investment secures that future.
“This funding backs Tasmanian workers, Tasmanian expertise and Tasmanian industry. It ensures our state continues to be the heart of Australia’s Antarctic operations.
“The more we understand Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, the better we can prepare for the impacts of climate change on our environment, our economy and our communities — and Tasmania is at the centre of that work.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that understands the importance of Antarctic science and is investing in it for the long term, and I’m proud to deliver this for the people of Franklin and for Tasmania.”
The federal government committed in the 2024-25 Budget to spend $371m over nine years to maintain a year-round Australian government presence on Macquarie Island.
The funding will be used to build a new station following damage to the existing station in 2022 from natural events, including earthquake and storm surge
The Australian federal government is providing $188m for upgrades to Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf 6 to serve as a dedicated home for RSV Nuyina, locking in Hobart as Australia’s Antarctic gateway,
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector employs nearly 1000 people in Tasmania and contributes more than $183m each year to the Tasmanian economy.
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