Science community begs government to continue funding vital research infrastructure

By Andrew Holmes and Alan Finkel
Updated March 11 2015 - 10:08am, first published March 5 2015 - 10:57am
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge
Great Barrier Reef: A communications tower, part of Australia's ocean observing system, IMOS, that may be forced to shut down in June. Photo: Scott Bainbridge

Imagine if the Australian government said it would stop paying train drivers. There would be a public outcry as hundreds of thousands of commuters were left high and dry while the trains were left to gather dust and rust.  It's hard to think of anything more wasteful.