Union tells Senate inquiry of chronic bullying within AAD

Funding was being used as a bullying tactic within the Australian Antarctic Division, a Senate inquiry in Hobart has heard.

Australia's new Antarctic icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, in fast ice 2022 © Pete Harmsen AAD

Funding was being used as a bullying tactic within the Australian Antarctic Division, a Senate inquiry in Hobart has heard, with scientists even being threatened with removal from future voyages for not toeing the line.

Delegates from the Community and Public Sector Union on Wednesday gave evidence that a series of lay-offs, redundancies, and enforced staffing caps at the AAD had resulted in a serious lack of morale within the scientific ranks, with dream jobs turning into nightmare work environments.

CPSU regional secretary Zac Batchelor said he understood that more than 40 positions at various stages of recruitment had been put on hold indefinitely, saying safety and career concerns were driving people away from the organisation.

“The proposed funding cuts recently spoken about in the media will have a substantial impact on jobs and science projects in the Australian Antarctic Division,” Mr Batchelor said.

“Several planned science projects have been scrapped as a direct result and members tell us that it’s not possible for the AAD to carry out business as usual.

“Our members have serious concerns about a culture of secrecy and a lack of transparency around how money is being allocated.”

Delegate Brian Miller said that when he started at the AAD in 2011, he felt he was in the dream job and would always go the “extra mile” for the organisation.

But as time progressed and funding cuts bit, Mr Miller’s work life deteriorated beyond recognition.

“Over the last five years, I have got to the point where I dread coming into the office,” he told the Senate Committee.

“I wake up with a knot in my stomach thinking about having to go into a hostile work environment where there is bullying and where funding is uncertain.

“We are disillusioned, battered and beaten up, but we want to do our job and know the importance of the work. But we need some help to get back on track.”

Representatives from the Australian Antarctic Division are due to front the Committee on Thursday.