Operations leader Emma Campbell says cut is due to ending of a temporary budget supplement and an internal efficiency dividend
Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) must find $25m in savings this year as the government flags possible cuts to crucial scientific research and a dramatic reduction in outsourcing to expensive consultants to meet the target.
The new savings target – which represents about 16% of the division’s operating budget – is largely due to an overspend by the division. The federal greens have warned the cuts “couldn’t possibly come at a worse time” given Antarctic sea ice reached the lowest level on record earlier this year.