ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has raised concerns about reports that the Australian Research Council (ARC) is pushing ahead with an internal restructure that could cut jobs in Canberra.

Senator Pocock said multiple ARC staff had contacted him with their concerns and provided email correspondence confirming consultation is underway on a proposed organisational overhaul that “will result in a reduction in the number of roles at the ARC.”

The restructure was announced at an all-staff meeting on 20 October; some staff were told on 19 November that their positions might be impacted. Staff fear the job cuts are linked to the Albanese Government’s instruction for agencies to find savings from the lowest-priority 5 per cent of expenditure.

Senator Pocock said he had hoped to question ARC officials at Senate Estimates on Thursday night, but the committee released them earlier in the day, as it also did at the previous Estimates hearings 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.”

The Senator said staff were anxious not only about the prospect of losing their jobs but also about reprisals for speaking out.

He described the move as “yet another attack on our research community that is already under siege”: in recent months, more than 1,000 jobs were cut at the ANU, 1,100 at CSIRO, and NHMRC grants had record low success rates.

“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 has written to the Education Minister to raise his concerns.

In a statement on Friday, ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner AM FAA confirmed the agency is conducting an organisational review to align its structure with expanded responsibilities introduced under legislative changes that took effect on 1 July 2024.

The ARC said the review aims to ensure staffing levels reflect the Australian Public Service Commission’s Optimal Management Structures.

According to the agency, the process has been developed in consultation with staff:

• Staff were notified on 20 October that the ARC would review its Operating Model.
• 11 focus groups were held; more than 70 per cent of staff participated.
• Potentially impacted staff met with agency representatives on 18 and 19 November.
• They were formally advised that their roles might be affected, and that a new structure would “result in a reduction in the number of roles”, predominantly at the Executive level.
• Under this proposal, 21 APS positions would be removed and 16 created — a net loss of five roles.
• Consultation on the draft structure runs from 19 November to 9 December.

“No final decisions have been made,” Professor Roessner said. The final operating model and organisational structure are intended to take effect from 1 March 2026.