A Greens-led senate inquiry that resulted in cross-party support for a re-focus on Antarctic science at the AAD has secured its first tangible win, with an additional 120 days of dedicated marine science expeditions over two years funded in the Federal Budget.
Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:
“Not only has a Greens-led senate inquiry resulted in cross-party support for a re-focus on Antarctic science at the AAD, but it has now also secured its first tangible win – with an additional 120 days of dedicated marine science expeditions over two years funded in the Federal Budget.
“One of the inquiry’s key recommendations was that the government immediately fund between 50-100 additional shipping days per year for the Nuyina, while the government prepares a business plan for the purchase of an additional vessel to access the Antarctic.
“These additional shipping days are essential for enabling immediate and critical marine science voyages to the Antarctica and Southern Ocean, and the Greens thank the government for listening to the Senate committee and taking important steps to prioritise science at the AAD.
“It was very timely for the Senate to scrutinise funding and governance at the AAD and do its job of providing transparency and accountability of government agencies, in addition to recommending changes.
“More than ever our planet depends on us understanding the Antarctic region, and we can’t do that without scientists on the ice. Increasing the Nuyina’s shipping days will ensure there are no excuses for not having dedicated Antarctic and Southern Ocean science voyages.
“It is now of critical importance that a business case is developed for acquiring a second vessel to support Australia’s presence in Antarctica, as also recommended by the Committee.
“Our $500m state of the art icebreaker and floating science platform has been plagued with problems and delays to service since it was commissioned five years ago, and accessing a second ship – especially for logistics support – is a vital next step in ensuring our Antarctic scientists have access to the ice.”