ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has raised concerns about reports that the Australian Research Council (ARC) is conducting a secret organisational restructure that could cost yet more jobs in Canberra.
Senator Pocock has been contacted by multiple ARC staff raising the alarm and sent copies of email correspondence that confirm consultation is underway on a proposed new organisational structure which if implemented “will result in a reduction in the number of roles at the ARC.”
The proposed restructure was announced at an all staff meeting on 20 October 2025 ahead of some staff being told on 19 November that their positions would be impacted. Concerns have been raised that the potential job cuts are related to the 5 per cent lowest priority savings target the Albanese Government is pursuing.
Senator Pocock had hoped to question officials from the ARC at Senate Estimates on Thursday night, however the committee released them earlier in the day, as they also did in the previous estimates in October.
“I am deeply concerned that the Australian Research Council (ARC) appears to be conducting an organisational restructure in secret and without adequate consultation with impacted staff or public oversight,” Senator Pocock said.
“It seems premature and inadvisable to undertake any form of restructure prior to the SERD review being imminently handed down and responded to by government.”
“It’s very disappointing that given concerns have been raised with me I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to ask questions at Estimates.
“I have been contacted by multiple ARC staff alarmed at the prospect of losing their job as part of multiple positions reportedly under threat, and even more concerned about potential reprisals for seeking to shine a light on what’s happening behind closed doors.”
Senator Pocock said the ARC is already under-resourced. Capacity constraints, resourcing of the Agency and the impact of the efficiency dividend are known challenges highlighted in the independent review of the ARC Act handed down in April 2023.
“This feels like yet another attack on our research community that is already under siege,” Senator Pocock said.
“In recent months we’ve seen more than 1,000 jobs cut at the ANU on top of 1,100 jobs being cut at CSIRO, NHMRC grants with record low award rates and now potential job losses at the ARC.
“The CSIRO was unable to rule out further job cuts in Senate Estimates last night.
“Some of Canberra’s best and brightest are losing their jobs in what is a huge blow for our territory and its future, as well as the future of science and research in Australia.”
Senator Pocock said he would be writing to the Education Minister to raise his concerns.
Media contact: Fiona Scott M| 0407294620 E| [email protected]