Statement of Expectations

Dear Ms Long,

Science and innovation are core to the Albanese Government's vision for Australia. As the nation navigates geostrategic shifts, the transition to net zero and rapid technological change, our sovereign science and research capability is more important than ever.

Innovation underpins our efforts to make Australia's economy more productive, resilient, diverse and sustainable. We need to continue to orient the economy toward productive and strategically important activities. The Government's Future Made in Australia agenda seeks to maximise productivity and industrial opportunities arising from the net zero transition, and to secure Australia's position in a rapidly changing global landscape.

As our national scientific and industrial research organisation, CSIRO is uniquely positioned to play a lead role in these efforts.

To contribute to a Future Made in Australia, CSIRO should prioritise applied research that supports:

Australia's net zero transformation: I expect CSIRO to prioritise research in areas where Australia can build enduring advantage within a net zero economy, as well as contributing to supply chains as part of global solutions (for example, in hydrogen, green metals, critical minerals processing and low carbon liquid fuels).
The tech economy: I expect CSIRO to prioritise research in areas where Australia has an economic advantage, can capture the economic opportunity and become a leader in AI technology and adoption. Promoting and protecting our comparative advantage in other critical technologies, such as quantum, remains important.

More broadly, Australia's National Science and Research Priorities identify the science and research collaborations Australia needs to solve our greatest challenges. CSIRO should continue to consider how it can respond to these priorities, including through partnerships with others, adding value to Australia's excellent fundamental research, and by supporting translation and commercialisation outcomes.

I acknowledge CSIRO's independence as a corporate Commonwealth entity and ask that it deliver on the above priorities in accordance with the expectations outlined below.

1. Innovation and translation through partnerships and collaboration

I expect a renewed focus on driving alignment of effort across the Commonwealth, states and territories, universities and industry. CSIRO must continue to work constructively with other government departments and agencies, including specialist investment vehicles, in areas where its expertise adds greatest impact and supports Australia's global interests. The Government expects CSIRO to translate science into practical solutions and new capabilities through a systematic approach to collaboration with universities, CRCs and industry partners to leverage and consolidate expertise. These collaborations and partnerships should align with the priorities set out in this statement. They should maintain complementarity and avoid duplication with other initiatives.

It is also important CSIRO continues to partner with First Nations communities to create Indigenous-driven science solutions that support sustainable futures for Indigenous peoples, cultures and Country. This includes working with Indigenous partners to support Indigenous-led entrepreneurship, new industries, and sustainable land, water and sea Country-based enterprises.

2. High-impact national science and research infrastructure

I expect CSIRO to ensure its scientific research facilities and partnerships are safe and fit-for-purpose and that they develop, secure and preserve critical, cutting-edge Australian science capability.

Operating infrastructure at the standard and scale required for impactful science demands coordinated, strategic and long-term national planning. As current facilities age and next generation technologies grow in scale, cost, and technical complexity, CSIRO must optimise public investment in its research infrastructure, national facilities and collections for wider use and access.

I expect CSIRO to regularly review its physical and digital infrastructure needs against its core mission and priorities and undertake whole-of-life planning for all infrastructure.

3. Enduring and sustainable operations

It is essential CSIRO's operations are financially sustainable over the long-term. This will require the Board and Executive to clearly prioritise activities and the allocation of resources.

In accordance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), CSIRO must use resources in the most effective and efficient manner, supporting national priorities without overlap or inefficiency. I expect CSIRO to demonstrate disciplined financial planning and work to monitor expenditure, identify efficiencies and reduce operating costs, while ensuring appropriate levels of co-investment to maximise the impact from its research.

I expect CSIRO to look for opportunities to further consolidate its property portfolio, as part of efforts to strengthen long-term financial sustainability. Consolidation may also present opportunities to enhance research impact through co-location with industry and other partners.

4. Effective governance, safety, security and people management

The CSIRO Board and Executive should demonstrate strong leadership and accountability to deliver outcomes for the Australian people. This includes operating in line with the functions and requirements outlined in the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 and PGPA Act, and applying rigorous governance, ethical conduct, transparency and accountability. CSIRO should model best practice environmental sustainability and act as a model employer, fostering a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment across its sites and operations. To protect its operations and the value of its research, CSIRO should ensure its cyber security, research security and intellectual property protections are robust and effective.

5. Working with my office and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources

CSIRO should maintain close coordination with my office and department. This includes providing timely notice of major announcements or events. It also includes early consultation on significant public documents, including Corporate Plans and Annual Reports, as well as plans for property consolidation or major staffing changes.

I look forward to working with CSIRO to progress Australia's science, industry and innovation agenda. I also look forward to receiving your response outlining how CSIRO intends to implement the priorities set out in this Statement of Expectation.

TIM AYRES
10/10/2025