Antarctic division head Emma Campbell confirms budget cut

According to the email from AAD head Emma Campbell, the organisation's 2023-2024 budget has been reduced by about 16 per cent, prompting the need for cost reductions, including possible cuts to contractors and other temporary and short-term roles.

"It is my expectation that we won't be able to afford all current positions - and I recognise that this will be hard," the email from Ms Campbell read.

"We will aim to have early clarity on those positions which will note continue, and I commit to supporting staff through that process," she wrote.

News of the funding cut at the division came just a month after Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek visited the AAD's new science research vessel RSV Nuyina in Hobart.

A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the funding cut was predominantly due to the cessation of temporary funding relating to the commissioning of the Nuyina.

"As is normal practice, the Australian Antarctic Division ... is currently reviewing options for achieving its capital and operational priorities within its allocated budget," they said.

"There will be no job losses.

"We will review any fixed-term employment contracts. The focus will be on finding areas where work performed by those on fixed-term contracts can be incorporated into the work of ongoing staff."

Tasmanian Senator Jonno Duniam slammed the funding decision.

"This is a massive blow to Tassie and the jobs that rely on our Antarctic science program at the hands of Tanya Plibersek and Labor," Senator Duniam said.

"It's an integral part of our community that supports so many jobs and industries - from truckies to food service businesses, tradies to equipment manufacturers.

"If Tasmanian Labor Government MPs like Julie Collins, Carol Brown and Catryna Bilyk are such advocates for the AAD, why have they let Tanya Plibersek cut funding and potentially jobs?"

In response, Senator Brown said: "'There has been no funding cuts."

"The Albanese Government's commitment to the Australian Antarctic Division has not changed. The Government is continuing to administer the $804 million previously committed to the Antarctic program over the decade," she said.

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said the cuts to the AAD couldn't have come at a worse time for the environment.

"Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean are the barometers of this planet's weather and climate. Just in recent weeks, we've had scientific news reports that show that we've seen unprecedented losses of Antarctic ice this time of the year, an area equivalent to the size of Western Australia.

"What scientists are saying is the extent of the changes they're seeing is baffling them - they're gobsmacked, these are unprecedented changes.

"That's why studying it is so important. We've seen some issues in the last two years, with Australian scientists being unable to access the ice sheets and do their science because of problems with our icebreaker.

"So today, the greens are calling on the Albanese government to clear up this mess," Senator Whish-Wilson said.

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