Australian Institute of Marine Science: Bishop Announces Four Year Funding Package, AIMS CEO Gives His Assessment. (January 10, 2007)

Following that statement from Ms Bishop the Townsville Bulletin's Daniel Bateman contacted AIMS CEO, Iain Poiner, who was prepared to give his viewpoint with regard to the funding package.

In summary: while there was a small increase in its new budget, it was still not enough. He told Bateman that the numbers of scientists working at AIMS has been declining over the past years, as has the institute's operating budget. As a result of the tighter budget last year, seven staff members were dismissed.

"One of the things we have been pointing out, is in real terms our operating budget hasn't gone up for many years," Dr Poiner said.

"We have been hoping for an increase, and there is a very small increase in the announcement today, but it will still make it very difficult for us to deliver the marine science required to answer the increasing demand for marine science in Australia – particularly in tropical Australia."

"[While it will] enable us to continue to do the high priority work that we are already doing, such as work on the Great Barrier Reef and so forth, ...it will not allow us much latitude to do any of the new things, like enhanced work on the Great Barrier Reef, greater support for the marine tourism industry – that's where there is a high demand for research at the moment."

Herbert MP, Liberal, Peter Lindsay, while welcoming the four year funding told Bateman he believed it was insufficient.